The Lawsuits Thread

[Lbock]

Don’t think we will get a ruling on Demurrer and Plea in Bar before April 17

Consistent with the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Virginia’s order Declaring a Judicial Emergency, and the Circuit Court of Fairfax County’s Pandemic Policy Procedures the following are the Circuit Court’s revised procedures effective March 17, 2020 until further notice or revision:

Fairfax Circuit Court COVID-19 Procedures

As a precaution, the Court recommends that you not come to the Courthouse, unless circumstances require you to do so.

A. CIVIL:
1. All civil jury trials are suspended for the next thirty (30) days through April 17, 2020. These cases will be set for status/term day on May 26, 2020 at 10:00 a.m., unless the parties agree to appear telephonically and set a new trial date in calendar control

https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/circuit/s ... -16-20.pdf

[meeps]

AND Javier Bardem didn't let his wife - Penelope Cruz - do all the talking for them both

Johnny Depp Gets Support From Javier Bardem -- Allegations Against Him Are 'Lies and Manipulations'

Mar 24, 2020 at 4:01 am UTC
By Mike Walters

Johnny Depp just received more support in his ongoing legal battle with Amber Heard, and this time it comes from “Pirates Of The Caribbean” co-star, Javier Bardem, who adamantly believes the actor is "trapped in the lies and manipulations of toxic beings."

In a declaration, obtained by The Blast, Bardem went on the record in Depp’s defamation case against his ex-wife and stated he does not believe Depp is a violent person, adding that he has a “respectful attitude” towards those around him.

”I love Johnny. He has always been a true gentleman and an extremely generous and caring friend to my family and myself,” Bardem began his statement.

The Oscar-winning actor describes working with Depp on several movie sets, including “Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales” in which he describes Depp as a “loving man.”

"On top of that, I’ve had the gift of working with him twice and have experienced his respectful attitude towards every single member of the crew alongside his unique and hilarious sense of humor. I stand by Johnny because I have always seen and felt a true caring and loving man in him ... an extraordinary and unique artist who has listened to anyone who needed his help." Bardem says.

The “No Country For Old Men” star is willing to testify in Depp’s defense as a character witness in the case against Heard and describes his “deep respect” for the actor in his declaration.

"I not only love Johnny but respect him deeply and I thank him for being the free and careless little boy he is in his art and the mature and loving man he is in the lives of others, always there when we need him," Bardem writes.

At the end of his declaration, Bardem seems to take a direct shot at Heard and her allegations of domestic abuse against Depp, deeming them “lies and manipulations.”

"I love Johnny because he is a good human being, trapped in the lies and manipulations of toxic beings and yet smiling and loving us all in spite of it. How? Through his music, through his acting, through his silence. This means a lot. Thank you, Johnny. Millions of others like me love you deeply," Bardem states.

Javier Bardem is married to actress Penelope Cruz and the couple share two children together. As we previously reported, Cruz also filed a declaration in support of Johnny Depp, agreeing with her husband by stating she had, "seen Johnny in so many situations and he is always kind to everyone around."

The actress, who co-starred with Depp in “Blow,” wrote in her own declaration:

"Many years have passed and I have not only made 3 movies with him, but I also count on him as a great friend. I’ve always been impressed by his kindness, his brilliant mind, his talent, and his peculiar sense of humor. I’ve seen Johnny in so many situations and he is always kind to everyone around. He is one of the most generous people I know."

She continued, "During six months of my first pregnancy, I spent every single day with him while we shot Pirates of the Caribbean. My husband and I will never forget the sweetness, protection, and kindness he treated me with during every single step of that process. We love him very much and I feel lucky to have someone so special in our lives."

Johnny Depp's defamation case in the U.K. has been put on hold due to the Coronavirus pandemic, and his Virginia lawsuit against Amber Heard is scheduled for trial later this year.

[AdeleAgain]

I love that these statements are getting ever more directly critical of her.

[ForeverYoung]

Don’t think we will get a ruling on Demurrer and Plea in Bar before April 17

Consistent with the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Virginia’s order Declaring a Judicial Emergency, and the Circuit Court of Fairfax County’s Pandemic Policy Procedures the following are the Circuit Court’s revised procedures effective March 17, 2020 until further notice or revision:

Fairfax Circuit Court COVID-19 Procedures

As a precaution, the Court recommends that you not come to the Courthouse, unless circumstances require you to do so.

A. CIVIL:
1. All civil jury trials are suspended for the next thirty (30) days through April 17, 2020. These cases will be set for status/term day on May 26, 2020 at 10:00 a.m., unless the parties agree to appear telephonically and set a new trial date in calendar control

https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/circuit/s ... -16-20.pdf

I can't believe the VA judge is taking so long to issue his decision. Maybe by delaying it he is giving Johnny a chance to present his evidence which so far has been pretty damaging for her so maybe it's not such a bad thing.

[Granna]

There might be another possibility. Judicial Systems around the world has respect for one another. Judge White could be waiting for the conclusion that the case against the Sun and therefore will not make a ruling on that case in VA.
Let's face it, there would be a lot of evidence in the Sun trial in the United Kingdom, that would carry over to the Virginia court.

[Lbock]

There might be another possibility. Judicial Systems around the world has respect for one another. Judge White could be waiting for the conclusion that the case against the Sun and therefore will not make a ruling on that case in VA.
Let's face it, there would be a lot of evidence in the Sun trial in the United Kingdom, that would carry over to the Virginia court.

I agree with you up until Mar 23. But now The Sun delayed till July (no specific day) the VA judge is going to have to issue his ruling for an August trial very soon. He never stayed (stopped) discovery. I think the texts we have been hearing are part of discovery from the VA trial subpoenas. (Not counting the texts inadvertently sent). Paul Bettany and Carino were both subpoenaed for all communication regarding AG, drugs/alcohol and anger/property damage.

Btw when the judge rules in Johnny’s favor, I expect her side to appeal. At that point the judge could “stay” discovery and probably cause a delay in the trial. Expect it

[ForeverYoung]

Btw when the judge rules in Johnny’s favor, I expect her side to appeal. At that point the judge could “stay” discovery and probably cause a delay in the trial. Expect it

If she appeals she will have to go to a higher court and the Appellate Courts take forever to move things along. My guess is that she would either file a motion for reconsideration or another motion in general. For whatever reason, the VA judge seems to rely on DM tabloid gossip which has been in Johnny's favor anyway. Not saying by any means he would base his decision on what the tabloids put out but right now we have no idea how long the courts will actually delay proceedings. Right now they have to set some kind of date for calendar purposes but these delays could go on for months and the UK and France are both in a lock down.

[Lbock]

Kaplan et al filed another supplemental case toward the demurrer. I don’t see it but I’m not a lawyer. https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/circuit/s ... 4-2020.pdf

My take
1) her OpEd was not a republication but a new article on the subject referencing her DV claims and what happens after you claim to be a DV victim. The article was published well within the one year time limit.
2) the preface of the article is how she was treated after she claimed to be a DV victim is prefaced on the fact she was indeed a victim
3) the defamation By implication. “ The element will be satisfied if the plaintiff shows that the statement was “intended to refer to him and would be so understood by persons reading it who knew him.” Even the Washington Post on reporting about the lawsuit said it referred to Johnny Depp.

“ Though she didn’t mention anyone by name, Heard wrote about feeling “the full force of our culture’s wrath” after going public with physical abuse allegations a couple of years prior — a thinly veiled reference to those she had brought forward against her estranged husband during their very public divorce. ”

https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-ent ... al-battle/

[ForeverYoung]

That's it??? Just a notice that they are filing this opinion as Exhibit A with no brief to back up why they think it is relevant?
Maybe Amber is getting low on funds because this is BAD representation.

[justintime]

The well-intentioned, original “judicial courtesy” protocol Justice White was observing with respect to these two separate, albeit intertwined, cases (UK’s SUN and VA’s defamation suit) would appear to no longer serve any purpose.

As Lbock wrote, “.. now The Sun delayed till July (no specific day) the VA judge is going to have to issue his ruling for an August trial very soon. He never stayed (stopped) discovery. I think the texts we have been hearing are part of discovery from the VA trial subpoenas. (Not counting the texts inadvertently sent). Paul Bettany and Carino were both subpoenaed for all communication regarding AG, drugs/alcohol and anger/property damage...”

If Justice White rules on AH’s third dismissal request and denies the demurrer, at least the defamation suit and its August trial date acquire some foothold in reality. The parties could actually begin to inch forward, AND Justice White could firmly keep that momentum going. Should AH continue to spin her wheels and, as ForeverYoung suggested, “....file a motion for reconsideration or another motion in general ...”, Justice White is now wise to her maneuvers and lack of respect for the legal process as a whole.

There is nothing set in stone requiring either case be resolved before the other. There may, however, be time to get the VA defamation lawsuit solidly back on track, no matter how much more kicking and screaming and outrageous lie-spinning the defense chooses to encourage from their client.

[Lbock]

@justintime. The well-intentioned, original “judicial courtesy” protocol Justice White was observing with respect to these two separate, albeit intertwined, cases (UK’s SUN and VA’s defamation suit) would appear to no longer serve any purpose.

Exactly this. Get it back on track to move somewhere. It’s costing Johnny and third parties allot of legal fees

[ForeverYoung]

AH has to be on edge with the VA judge not issuing a decision and not being able to testify right now in the UK case either. In the meantime, more people will probably come out in support of Johnny but so far NOBODY with relevance has come out to support her. No directors, producers, actors, crew from any of her films (including make up artists, wardrobe, etc.) no talk show hosts, personal staff, stylists, etc. Only the organizations she gave the charity money to and Loreal buy I didn't see her in Paris for fashion week either which means she wasn't invited to any of the events, imo. I mean, it's not like she is busy working.

[AdeleAgain]

Adam Waldman said others will speak out like Winona, Penelope and Javier, Vanessa. Anyone care to speculate on who? Tim Burton and Helena Bonham Carter know him really well. I think as well as having big names they will pick 'respectable' rather than controversial people - I love Marilyn Manson for example but not sure his endorsement would necessarily sway everyone!!!

Hope everyone is coping with lockdowns ok.

[AdeleAgain]

Sorry for copying from twitter I hope this works but did anyone else see this?



Apparently the Daily Mail had it with the other clips of her smirking etc - it is a bit more of her testimony. When they deposed her in 2016 it is clear that they were getting her to confirm on record again her story which was perjury. If this had gone onto a permanent restraining order - this would all have been presented. And she confirms that the apartment was trashed by him and that she was hurt - whereas witnesses and a photo would have said/shown that simply wasn't true.

I'd love to see the entire seven hour deposition. I've read the transcript but I can't remember now was that the entire thing? I am dying to know - what happened after this clip? Did the lawyer ask her about punching JD or the defacating on the bed?

[Granny576]

Private to garner respect for the little ladies delicate sensibilities what With the nasty details of her experiences. Ha!