Judy Bellinger recorded the trial and closely monitored the jury. Some had trouble staying awake and are said to have dozed off in between.
Court clerk Judy Bellinger followed Johnny Depp’s trial against Amber Heard, while keeping an eye on the jury box. Because almost more important than the testimonies in the process are the reactions of the jury. Now, she says, throughout the six-week trial, some jurors struggled to stay awake at all.
In Germany, jury interpretation – or interpretation – is unknown, in the USA it is one of the main occupations of court reporting. Private stenographers like Judy Bellinger, who record everything that is said in court, are another peculiarity. Bellinger works for Planet Depos. A company commissioned by both teams.
Depp prevailed
The seven-member jury, consisting of five men and two women, essentially followed Depp’s side in their verdict. They awarded him $15 million in damages. The sum was later reduced to $10.35 million due to a law. They noted that Heard defamed her ex-husband in a 2018 article about domestic violence. Though Depp wasn’t credited in the article, Heard had to vouch for the veracity. Heard was awarded $2 million in damages for her counterclaim for defamation.
Jurors in the Depp Heard trial: battle with sleep
In an interview with Law
The “best” juror, according to Bellinger, was one of the deputies. They are only attending the trial in the event of a primary juror failing. The woman was ultimately not needed and did not participate in the final judgment. “Unfortunately, a proxy was probably the one who did it best. I watched her expressions, she was absorbed in every word that was said. I thought she would make a great judge.”
The 58-year-old Depp welcomed the verdict. In a statement, he said that the “jury gave me my life back”. Heard wrote that the “setback” for women broke her heart. “I’m sad that I lost this case. But I’m even sadder that I seem to have lost a right I thought I had as an American – to speak freely and openly.” Heard stated that she wanted to appeal the verdict.
Criticism of hug
Bellinger came under criticism after the verdict when a clip was released of Depp hugging her. But it happened by accident when she wanted to pick up her computer from Depp’s lawyer. She went into the lounge of the hotel where Depp’s team had gathered. “Johnny was in there so I had to go in and get my gear and I saw him. I was in there for probably less than 10 minutes and he just gave me a hug and thanked me again.”
