Johnny Depp and Amber Heard’s defamation trial, which the world watched as they went to court, is now coming on the small screen. Netflix will feature a new docuseries, Depp v. Heard, that will explore the face-off between the former Hollywood couple that remains a hot topic until today, a year after it ended.
A lot has followed Depp and Heard’s proceedings, which become an entertainment to a global audience. From trading insults to different accusations and surprising revelations, the world is about to see what really happened in the four walls of Fairfax County, Virginia courtroom and beyond in Depp v. Heard. Here’s everything you need to know.
What Depp v. Heard is All About?
Netflix drops the first look at Depp v. Heard docuseries, which started in 2018 after the Aquaman star wrote an op-ed for The Washington Post, publicly speaking out about the sexual abuse she experienced. Though the actress didn’t mention names, Depp’s legal team claimed the piece caused “irreparable damage” to the actor.
From there, a trial, widely covered by the media worldwide, ensued, resulting in a six-week hysteria of public speculations and even social media campaigns. It was even dubbed the first “trial by TikTok” as many people tried to get involved.
Read Depp v. Heard synopsis below:
Showing both testimonies side-by-side for the first time, this series explores the trial that set Hollywood ablaze and the online fallout that ensued.
What Happened in Johnny Depp and Amber Heard’s Trial?
Depp filed a libel lawsuit against Heard in 2019, seeking $50 million in damages. At the time, the Pirates of the Caribbean star believed his ex-wife had just fabricated the claims she made against him in an effort to destroy his reputation and career.
The trial began in April 2022, ran for six weeks, and was televised. Depp and Heard accused each other of physical and verbal abuse, with more evidence and testimonies from their respective parties.
The 37-year-old social activist also filed a countersuit for defamation against her ex-husband over the comments by the latter’s lawyer, Adam Waldman, calling her abuse allegations a “hoax.” However, when the trial ended, the Virginia jury favored Depp and awarded him over $10 million in damages.
In the countersuit, Heard also won, finding Depp guilty of one libel charge. She was awarded $2 million.
How Did Amber Heard and Johnny Depp’s Trials End?
The never-ending trial ended when Heard confirmed she and Depp reached a settlement. The two finally dropped their appeals.
"I finally have an opportunity to emancipate myself from something I attempted to leave over six years ago and on terms I can agree to," she wrote in a post on Instagram. "I have made no admission. This is not an act of concession. There are no restrictions or gags with respect to my voice moving forward."
As part of the settlement, Heard ended up paying Depp $1 million, which he donated to charity.
Depp v. Heard Release Date
Depp v. Heard will be released on August 17 on Netflix in its entirety. The docuseries is directed by the Emmy and BAFTA nominee Emma Cooper, who is also behind The Mystery of Marilyn Monroe: The Unheard Tapes.
