Amber Heard is switching up her legal team for her appeal of the June 1 verdict in the high-profile defamation case between her and ex-husband Johnny Depp.
The Aquaman actress has hired attorneys David L. Axelrod and Jay Ward Brown, of Ballard Spahr, as her appellate counsel, according to a press release.
“We welcome the opportunity to represent Ms. Heard in this appeal as it is a case with important First Amendment implications for every American,” Axelrod and Brown said in a joint statement. “We’re confident the appellate court will apply the law properly without deference to popularity, reverse the judgment against Ms. Heard, and reaffirm the fundamental principals of Freedom of Speech.”
Ben Rottenborn, of Woods Rogers Vandeventer Black, is staying on as co-counsel while Elaine Charlson Bredehoft, of Charlson Bredehoft Cohen Brown & Nadelhaft, is stepping down. Rottenborn and Bredehoft represented Heard during the initial defamation trial.
“This is the perfect time to pass the baton,” Bredehoft said in a statement. “I have pledged to Amber and her appellate team my complete cooperation and assistance as they move forward on a path towards success.”
A spokesperson for Heard said in a statement, “When it comes to protecting the fundamental right of Freedom of Speech, we look at the jury’s decision — to paraphrase a famous quote — not ‘as the beginning of the end, but merely the end of the beginning.'” They added that “a different court warrants different representation.”
The jury largely sided with Depp in its June 1 verdict, ordering Heard to pay Depp more than $10 million in damages. Depp was ordered to pay his ex-wife $2 million in damages.
Heard filed a notice of appeal on July 21, with Depp filing a notice of appeal the following day.
Copyright © 2022, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Related Posts
‘English Teacher’ renewed for season 2 at FX
February 7, 2025
FXMore English Teacher is on the way.FX has renewed the comedy for a second season. The series…
New Music Friday: LISA, Ava Max, Alex Warren, Tommy Richman and more
The Latest,Discover New Music,Music News
February 7, 2025
It's a big day for new music. Here's a roundup:BLACKPINK star LISA has released a new single called…
‘Emilia Pérez’ actress Karla SofÃa Gascón vows to stay silent after offensive comments
February 7, 2025
Medios y Media/Getty ImagesBest actress Oscar nominee Karla SofÃa Gascón is vowing to stay…
Stick season isn’t over yet: Get ready for Noah Kahan ‘Live From Fenway Park’ vinyl
February 7, 2025
Mercury Records/Republic RecordsJust when you thought it was safe to go back to Vermont ... Noah…
Chappell Roan challenges author of critical op-ed to put his money where his mouth is
The Latest,Entertainment,Music News
February 7, 2025
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)In an op-ed for The Hollywood Reporter, music…
Weekend Watchlist: What’s new on streaming
February 7, 2025
Ready, set, binge! Here's a look at some of the new movies and TV shows streaming this…
Ahead of Super Bowl, Travis Kelce says he could ‘take notes’ from Taylor Swift’s work ethic
February 7, 2025
Jamie Squire/Getty ImagesGetting to the Super Bowl, and then preparing for it, takes a lot of work,…
In brief: Daniel Radcliffe, Lucas Hedges to star in thriller ‘Trust the Man’ and more
February 7, 2025
Daniel Radcliffe and Lucas Hedges are set to star in a Vietnam War thriller film called Trust the…