The Johnny Depp versus Amber Hurd defamation trial was marked by a final hearing on May 27, after the deliberations were handed over to the jury. Amber’s lawyer, Elaine Bredehoff, received a no-nonsense treatment from Judge Penny Askgrit, who may have blown their chances of appeal. The veteran lawyer was shown early signs that not even an appeal would solve their problems and that they should accept the verdict and move on.
The courtroom also praised the attorneys for their efforts and professionalism throughout the trial. Amber’s attorney, Elaine Bredehoff, and Depp’s lawyer, Benjamin Chu, kept aside their professional differences and came together to thank Judge Askgrit. However, Penny’s gentle approach ended during their confirmation of charges when she blasted her for attempting to question her verdict.
Court correspondentagneta Levi noted that the judge was strict towards Elaine after her defamatory comments on the jury a day after her client lost against Deb. She made the admissions during her interview with the Today Show, proposing the possibility of tampering with the outcome of the case and admitting jurors weren’t supposed to be looking at social media. Penny is said to have taken these assertions with the seriousness it deserves and her input in the pending appeal may affect everything for Amber’s legal team.
Penny Askgrid is a judge of the 19th judicial circuit court in Virginia, elected by the Virginia General Assembly on February 25, 2015, and taking office on July 1, 2023. She completed her undergraduate degree in criminal justice from Old Dominican University in 1988 and her juris doctor from George Mason University School of Law in 1998. After her graduation, Penny served four years with the United States Marine Corps, where she was involved in active duty and reached the rank of captain before returning into a reservist to pursue her juris doctorate degree at George Mason.
Penny has had a long and established career dealing with numerous notable cases, but the Johnny Depp versus Amber Hurd defamation trial is likely her most high-profile case to date. She is married to retired police officer Eddie Azkarid, who currently serves as a security advisor for Secure Community Network.
After the six-week trial wrapped up, much drama surfaced regarding the tumultuous relationship between Depp and Amber. The jury ultimately found Depp guilty of false domestic abuse claims she made against him to the press, while Amber was defamed by one of Depp’s lawyers falsely claiming she had staged a hoax for the press at one point.
In conclusion, the John Depp versus Amber Hurd defamation trial was a complex and contentious case, with the jury finding Depp guilty of false domestic abuse claims and Amber defamed by one of Depp’s lawyers.