Will Johnny Depp And Amber Heard Be In The Courtroom When The Verdict Is Read? Here’s What We Know

Johnny Depp is not expected to be in the courtroom when a jury gives its verdict for a defamation case between the actor and his ex-wife Amber Heard. One legal expert, though, has speculated that it’s likely Heard will be in the courtroom at the time of the verdict.

Depp is suing Heard for $50 million over alleged defamation stemming from a domestic violence Washington Post op-ed penned by Heard in 2018. The “Aquaman” actress has countersued for $100 million.

According to reporting from Law&Crime Channel, neither Heard nor Depp are mandated to be in the courtroom when the verdict in the case is read.

Further, Court TV legal correspondent Chanley Shá Painter reported: “As a source close to Johnny Depp – ‘Due to previously scheduled work commitments made before the trial, Mr. Depp will not be physically present for today’s 3pm verdict and will be watching from the United Kingdom.'”

As a source close to Johnny Depp –
⁰“Due to previously scheduled work commitments made before the trial, Mr. Depp will not be physically present for today's 3pm verdict and will be watching from the United Kingdom.”#DeppvsHeard #AmberHeard #johnnydepp @CourtTV

— Chanley Shá Painter (@ChanleySPainter) June 1, 2022

Depp was notably spotted this weekend in the U.K., jamming alongside guitar legend Jeff Beck. His return to Virginia is not expected.

Lawyer and YouTuber Nick Rekieta said on Tuesday that it was likely Depp would not be in the courtroom for the verdict, while he speculated Heard will be present.

Rekieta suggested Heard would be there to celebrate with the media if she did win damages, which he said was unlikely; or, alternatively, to play up to the media if the ruling does not go in her favor.

According to reporting from Court TV’s Chanley Sha Painter, a verdict is expected to come down Wednesday at 3 p.m ET.

The delay is likely so folks can make their way back to the courtroom to hear the verdict, potentially even Heard.

Verdict at 3pm #deppvsheard

— Chanley Shá Painter (@ChanleySPainter) June 1, 2022