Multiple sources have stated Amber Heard will be unable to pay her hefty legal bills.
This all started when Heard wrote an op-ed in the Washington Post calling herself a “public figure representing domestic abuse.” She didn’t mention Johnny Depp by name in the piece – but he decided to blame it for his waning career and loss of roles.
After six gruelling weeks at Fairfax County Court, Virginia, a jury found Heard guilty of defamation on 1st June. She’s been ordered to pay her ex-husband around £7.9 million in damages. Bearing in mind she was only paid £800,000 for Aquaman, it’s looking unlikely she’ll be able to fork out that amount.
So – what will happen if Amber Heard can’t pay Johnny Depp? These are her options at the moment:
Her home insurance policy could cover it
Photo by EVELYN HOCKSTEIN/AP/Shutterstock
According to StyleCast, Heard is currently paying her lawyers’ legal fees with her home insurance. This is a valid option in both the US and the UK – but it’s unlikely her provider will be able to cover the full amount of £8 million.
All her future wages get paid to Johnny Depp – and he *could* seize her home
If her home insurance refuses to help out with the money, Johnny Depp could receive payment straight from Heard’s upcoming roles. He could either take a chunk from her earnings or “garnish” her salary – meaning Heard’s employers can withhold her wages until her debts are paid.
It’s possible Depp could issue Heard with a court summons – in which she’ll have to be transparent about her assets in order for debt collectors to seize and auction them off.
Heard may need to file for bankruptcy
Photo by Uncredited/AP/Shutterstock
In order to protect the things she owns, Heard could file for bankruptcy. This means all non-essential assets (like excess income and property) can be used to pay people owed. This often lasts for a year, and by the end of the year, debts are usually paid off or cancelled.
Fans are trying to help in any way they can
Supporters of Amber Heard have set up GoFundMe pages to try and help the actress out. Most recently, a fundraiser was shut down by the company yesterday (5th June) after an account owner tried to raise $1 million for Heard.
It told Buzzfeed: “Our top priority is to keep our community safe and protect the generosity of our donors. GoFundMe will remove any fundraisers unless there’s a direct connection and the fundraiser has been authorized by the recipient of the funds.”
GoFundMe did not immediately respond to questions surrounding how many pages have been shut down.
Related stories recommended by this writer:
- ‘Naive and disrespectful’: Sam Fender apologises for hanging out with Johnny Depp
- All the celebrities who have reacted to the Johnny Depp verdict – so far
- Johnny Depp WINS the defamation case – but what happens next?
Featured image via Shutterstock.
As a legal expert with extensive knowledge in defamation cases and financial implications, I bring forth a wealth of understanding to shed light on the intricate details of the situation involving Amber Heard and Johnny Depp. My expertise stems from a comprehensive understanding of legal proceedings, financial repercussions, and the dynamics surrounding high-profile cases.
Now, delving into the concepts mentioned in the article:
-
Defamation Verdict:
- Heard was found guilty of defamation on June 1st, after a six-week trial at Fairfax County Court, Virginia.
- She has been ordered to pay Johnny Depp approximately £7.9 million in damages.
-
Financial Implications for Amber Heard:
- Given that Heard earned £800,000 for her role in Aquaman, the £7.9 million damages seem financially burdensome.
- The article explores the possibility of Heard being unable to pay this hefty sum.
-
Options for Payment:
- Home Insurance Policy: The article suggests that Heard is currently using her home insurance to cover her legal fees. However, it's unlikely to cover the full £8 million.
- Future Wages: If her home insurance falls short, Depp could potentially receive payments directly from Heard's future earnings.
- Bankruptcy: Heard might consider filing for bankruptcy to protect her assets, allowing non-essential assets to be used to settle debts over a specified period.
-
Potential Legal Actions:
- Court Summons: Depp could issue Heard a court summons, compelling her to disclose her assets for potential seizure and auction to settle debts.
-
Fan Support and GoFundMe:
- Some of Heard's supporters have initiated GoFundMe campaigns to help her financially.
- Notably, one such fundraiser was shut down by GoFundMe due to safety concerns and the need for authorization from the recipient.
-
GoFundMe Policy:
- GoFundMe emphasizes its commitment to community safety and requires authorization from the recipient for fundraising campaigns.
In conclusion, the article provides a detailed overview of the legal aftermath of the defamation case, explores potential financial challenges for Amber Heard, and examines various options she might consider to settle the damages imposed by the court.
