Amber Heard Reveals Speech Loss Post Legal Battle with Johnny Depp
Amber Heard recently discussed the impact of her legal battles with Johnny Depp in a documentary titled Silenced, screened at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival. The film explores the stories of women facing defamation lawsuits after speaking out about abuse.
Heard’s Struggles After the Defamation Trial
In the documentary, Heard reveals her profound loss of voice following the high-profile defamation trial against Depp. “This is not about me,” she states. “I have lost my ability to speak.” She expresses relief in no longer wanting to use her voice, describing this as a significant problem for her.
Background on the Legal Conflict
The conflict escalated after Depp filed a $50 million defamation lawsuit against Heard in 2022, stemming from her 2018 Washington Post op-ed. In it, she suggested that she was a victim of domestic abuse. The jury ultimately sided with Depp, awarding him over $10 million in damages.
Heard mentioned, “The outcome of that trial depended on my participation, and I depended on the outcome of that trial.” She highlighted her struggles as not only personal but reflective of broader issues faced by many women.
Voices Being Silenced
Heard describes the public scrutiny she faced during the trial, including name-calling and harassment as she entered and exited the courtroom. She recalls a moment when she contemplated speaking to the press, realizing the potential risks of further public hostility.
Impact of Defamation on Women
Jennifer Robinson, Heard’s lawyer, discussed the broader implications of defamation lawsuits on women’s rights. She noted, “In the post-#MeToo world, we saw women break the cultural silence… What does free speech mean if you can’t afford to defend it?”
- Depp was awarded $15 million in total damages.
- Heard received $2 million after a jury found Depp’s lawyer defamed her.
- The trial lasted six weeks in 2022.
Heard’s Reflections and Future Aspirations
Following the conclusion of the trial, Heard expressed her sadness over the verdict and its implications for other women facing similar challenges. She remarked, “I seem to have lost a right I thought I had as an American — to speak freely and openly.”
Heard has since relocated to Spain and welcomed twin children, continuing to express hope for a better future for her daughter.
This documentary serves not only as a reflection of Heard’s personal experiences but also as a commentary on the prevailing issues of gender-based violence and the risks associated with speaking out.
