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Actress Amber Heard sued her ex-husband Johnny Depp claiming he had verbally and physically abused her. Depp has since made an effort to fight back, delivering her a defamation lawsuit after evidence of his innocence emerged in the form of a leaked recording from 2015, and a statement from Heard’s hairstylist.
But in a surprise twist, Heard could be facing not just millions of dollars in this case, but also three years in jail.
While nothing could be proven, Heard’s accusations against Depp were enough to significantly damage Depp’s reputation and acting career. The story also almost derailed the latest Pirates of the Caribbean movie, Dead Men Tell No Tales, Depp has faced significant levels of hate and ostracizing over the past five years.
But since the audio leak, the internet has already returned to his side of the issue. After initially blasting Depp and calling for his removal from Pirates, people were now creating a petition to have him return to Disney as Captain Jack Sparrow and for Warner Bros. to fire Heard in the same way Disney fired Depp. This sway in public opinion has also kept the level of interest in this situation high.
Related: Johnny Depp Fans Petition For His “Pirates” Return After Leak Of Amber Heard Tape
Johnny Depp’s Defamation Suit Against Amber Heard
Johnny Depp filed a defamation lawsuit against his ex-wife just over a year ago. Heard attempted to get the case dismissed but her request was denied.
“Defendant’s Demurrer is sustained as to the fourth statement listed above, but it is overruled as to the other three statements,” wrote Fairfax (VA) County Chief Judge Bruce White on Friday in a lengthy opinion letter to lawyers on both sides of the personal and messy battle. “Further, Defendant’s Plea in Bar regarding the statute of limitations is denied. Counsel shall prepare an Order reflecting the Court’s ruling and forward that Order to the Court for entry,”
Johnny Depp initially filed the suit to sue Heard for $50 million. But now it appears that she could not only be forced to pay the sum, but she could also be facing jail time.
According to the International Business Times:
If Heard will be proven guilty of faking her bruises, she could face three years of imprisonment. According to the Wallin & Klarich Law Firm, the California Penal Code Section 141 PC stated that it is illegal to alter, modify, plant, place, conceal, manufacture or move any physical matter with the intention of causing someone to be charged with a crime. Some would face felony charges for this.
But it doesn’t stop there. Heard could also be charged with offering false evidence under California Penal Code 132 PC and Preparing false evidence under California Penal Code Section 134 PC. These are also considered felony crimes and each carry a maximum sentence of up to three years.
This extra layer of the case emerged after Heard’s hairstylist refused to back her claims of physical abuse. Because, as she said, “Throughout the day of December 16, 2015, I could see clearly that Amber Heard did not have any visible marks, bruises, cuts, or injuries to her face or any other part of her bod.”
What do you think about this case? Do you think Heard will be sent to jail? Do you think Johnny Depp is truly innocent? Let us know in the comments!
Source: Deadline