Judge dismisses Amber Heard's request for retrial in Johnny Depp's defamation case

(MENAFN) Amber Heard's request for a retrial in her legal dispute with Johnny Depp was refused.

The actress argued that one of the jurors was not adequately vetted and that the defamation trial should be re-tried.

Judge Penney Azcarate denied her motion, stating that Depp's court win stood and that the jury had reached a "competent decision."

Last Monday, Heard's lawyers filed documents claiming that "newly discovered facts and information" concerning the jury meant the widely publicized judgment should be declared void.

They said that one of those called to serve on the jury, a 77-year-old male, did not arrive and was substituted by his son, who had the same name and lives at the same home.

Her side also contended that the verdict was not supported by evidence given during the trial, arguing that the jury was distracted by the repercussions from the Washington Post piece, which was the center of the trial.

Judge Azcarate ruled that the jury problem was immaterial and that Heard could not demonstrate prejudice.

"The juror was vetted, sat for the entire jury, deliberated, and reached a verdict," she stated.

"The only evidence before this court is that this juror and all jurors followed their oaths, the court's instructions, and orders. This court is bound by the competent decision of the jury."

Depp's lawyers had titled Heard's appeal "frivolous" with "no legitimate basis".

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