Amber Heard can’t file for bankruptcy to wipe $15 million she now owes Johnny Depp – Marca English

Amber Heard will have to figure out a way to generate a couple of millions because according to the verdict, she can't use bankruptcy to escape paying her ex-husband Johnny Depp.

Heard was found guilty of defaming the actor in a 2019 op-ed in the Washington Post by a seven-person jury on Wednesday.

El jurado falla a favor de Johnny Depp en su demanda contra la actriz Amber Heard

The jury concluded that Heard published the statements with malice, implying that she did not tell the truth.

For a total of $15 million, the actress was ordered to pay Depp $10 million in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages.

The judge stated that Virginia only allows for $350,000 in punitive damages, which means the $5 million will be reduced. Heard was awarded $2 million in her countersuit against Depp for press statements made by his lawyer.

Given that she admitted her acting roles dried up after Depp sued her, the $10-$15 million judgment will be difficult for Heard to pay. She also won't be able to discharge the debt through bankruptcy.

In a interview for RadarOnline.com, "The award is not dischargeable," says Los Angeles attorney Ronald Richards. Punitive damages are never deductible or dischargeable. Intentional torts like defamation are typically not dischargeable."

Heard's team will almost certainly file an appeal, attempting to reduce the amount awarded or overturn the entire verdict. The actress has remained tight-lipped about her legal options.

Depp issued a statement after the verdict was read, thanking the jury for giving him his "life back."

He expressed his gratitude by saying, "I am truly humbled. My decision to pursue this case, knowing very well the height of the legal hurdles that I would be facing and the inevitable, worldwide spectacle into my life, was only made after considerable thought."

Heard expressed her dissatisfaction with the outcome. "I'm heartbroken that the mountain of evidence still was not enough to stand up to the disproportionate power, influence, and sway of my ex-husband," she said.

"I'm sad I lost this case. But I am sadder still that I seem to have lost a right I thought I had as an American - to speak freely and openly," she ended.

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Amber Heard can't file for bankruptcy to wipe $15 million she now owes Johnny Depp - Marca English