Amber Heard Seeks Dismissal in $1 Million Legal Battle Over Johnny Depp Judgment.
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Actress Amber Heard is pleading for a dismissal in her ongoing legal battle with her insurance company, New York Marine and General Insurance Co., over the judgment awarded to her ex-husband, Johnny Depp. Despite the insurer's refusal to drop the case, Heard insists that there is no longer any dispute to be resolved.
The Backstory
In July 2022, New York Marine and General Insurance Co. sued Heard only weeks after a Virginia jury found her liable for defaming Depp, leading to an ordered payment of $8.3 million. Heard had demanded that the insurance company cover a portion of the verdict, citing her $1 million liability policy that included defamation coverage. However, the insurance company argued that a provision in the policy absolved them of liability if Heard was found to have "willfully" committed the wrongful conduct. They claimed that the jury found Heard's actions to be both willful and malicious, and thus, they were not responsible for covering any portion of the judgment owed to Depp.
The Settlement and Aftermath
In December 2022, Heard announced a settlement with Depp, leading to the cessation of the entire legal battle and appeal. It was reported that Heard paid Depp $1 million to end the ordeal, a sum far less than what she was ordered to pay, and this amount was said to be covered by another of Heard's insurers. Despite the settlement with Depp, New York Marine and General refused to drop the case, leading to Heard's plea for the judge to dismiss it.
Heard's lawyer argued that New York Marine faced no real or threatened economic harm from Heard, as she had withdrawn her claim for indemnity and was not seeking any defense costs from New York Marine unless and until the court's dismissal order was reversed on appeal. A judge has yet to rule on the matter.
Heard's Statement
Following the settlement with Depp, Heard expressed her disappointment in the American legal system, stating, "Women shouldn’t have to face abuse or bankruptcy for speaking her truth, but unfortunately, it is not uncommon." She saw the deal as an opportunity to free herself from a situation she had tried to leave over six years ago and on terms she could agree to. She emphasized that she had made no admission and that there were no restrictions or gags on her voice moving forward.
In Summary
The legal battle between Amber Heard and her insurance company continues, despite the resolution of her case with Johnny Depp. As the actress pleads for a dismissal, the world watches to see how this chapter in the Heard-Depp saga will unfold.