The latest legal battle between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard has arrived at its conclusion. With the jury’s verdict, she owes her former husband $15 million in damages.
Reports explained that the figures come from the $10 million in damages and $5 million in punitive damages. But, the state law limits the latter to $350,000, which means the “Pirates of the Caribbean” star will be awarded $10.35 million, instead.
On Heard’s part, Depp owes her $2 million as the jury ruled he defamed his former wife in one claim. This reportedly puts the 58-year-old actor at a net positive of $8.35 million from the defamation trial.
Following the result of the trial, Celebrity Net Worth estimates that Amber Heard’s current net worth is -$8 million. It also says that the actress’s previous worth was approximately $2.5 million.
Whatever the case, though, experts believe that the verdict poses “financial risks” for the “Rum Diary” star, according to CBS News. This has also raised questions about whether she could cover the damages.
This has led the publication to explain what would happen if Heard’s pockets were not deep enough to pay what she owes Depp. Several experts shared their responses to the outlet, which seemingly noted that there are three options.
Legal contributor to CBS News Jessica Levinson stated that it is “not an unusual situation.” But, considering that Amber Heard has “earning potential,” part of her current and future wages could be garnished.
Attorney Sandra Spurgeon of Spurgeon Law Group also told the publication that the 36-year-old actress has the option to file for bankruptcy. She shared that doing so would eliminate the $10 million in compensatory damages.
However, Heard would remain “on the hook” for the punitive damages as it “cannot be discharged in a bankruptcy.” This means she still needs to pay Depp the $350,000, which was originally $5 million.
The third option, meanwhile, depends largely on Johnny Depp. As explained, he is in the “driver’s seat” now as he can choose not to execute the judgment, resulting in the waiving of monetary damages.
The attorney continued that the “Secret Window” actor could also negotiate with Amber Heard for a much lower figure. Whatever the case, though, it would be all up to him.
The same publication discussed the subject appealing the judgment, as well. As noted, the “Aquaman” actress could appeal the verdict to obtain a “more favorable judgment” and “reduce the payment.”
But, Heard would reportedly need to post a bond for the full $10.35 million in damages.” Attorney Spurgeon then stated that this “may or may not be feasible.”