On Friday, the jury in Johnny Depp and Amber Heard’s defamation trial began deliberations.
Judge Penney Azcarate, who discharged the jurors for the holiday weekend after no result was reached on Friday, praised both sides’ legal teams and court workers for their professionalism during the hearings.
“I simply want to express my gratitude to all of you for your professionalism and hard work throughout this matter,” she added.
“It makes it much simpler to be a judge when you have superb trial counsel in front of you,” she continued.
“I’d also want to express my gratitude to the lawyers and litigants for their courtesy and professionalism in dealing with my team. I also appreciate the courtroom employees and sheriff’s department officers’ efforts. “It means a lot to me,” judge Azcarate stated.
When this final remark caused the courtroom to explode in laughter and people started to applaud, Judge Azcarate laughed and said, “Well, that’s a first.”
Elaine Bredehoft, Heard’s attorney, commended the judge for her efforts in the case in a rare moment in the courtroom in Fairfax County, Virginia.
Moments later, Depp’s lawyer Ben Chew attempted to agree with Bredehoft but inadvertently disagreed.
“On that, Miss Bredehoft and I respectfully disagree, entirely agree!” he said.
“Well excellent,” Judge Azcarate laughed. I’m delighted we finally came to an agreement on the last day.”
The jury will meet again on Tuesday after hearing the case on Friday afternoon. The widely publicized defamation trial judgment is likely to be released this week.
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