A Virginia judge on Wednesday rejected an effort by actress Amber Heard to set aside the $10 million judgment awarded against her in favor of her ex-husband, Johnny Depp.
"I actually understand. He's a beloved character and people feel they know him," Heard tells Today co-host Savannah Guthrie in an interview clip aired Monday on NBC.
The weeks-long trial lasted over a month and was broadcast live for millions to watch. Some advocates say the verdict could give even more pause for domestic violence survivors looking to speak out.
Johnny Depp had sued Amber Heard for more than $50 million over a 2018 op-ed she wrote about abuse against women. Because of a limit set by state law, Depp's award will be $10.35 million.
On TikTok, #IStandWithAmberHeard has garnered about 8.2 million views, while #JusticeForJohnnyDepp has earned about 15 billion views. A sociologist offers her views on the reasons why.
Testifying at the behest of attorneys representing Depp's ex-wife Amber Heard were a longtime agent, a former business manager and a friend of Depp's for nearly four decades.
The actor made the pledge as she ended her marriage to Johnny Depp, saying she would split $7 million between the ACLU and a children's hospital. Depp's defamation case against Heard is ongoing.
Depp has testified that Heard severed his finger with a shattered vodka bottle. On Thursday, her attorney used Depp's own words to suggest he did it himself. Depp is suing Heard for defamation.
