What Happens If Amber Heard Can't Pay Johnny Depp?

The six-week bitter trial between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard is finally over. The jury have come to their verdict: Amber Heard has been ordered to pay Depp $10 million in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages, which was reduced to Virginia's cap of $350,000, whilst Depp will have to pay Heard $2 million.

So, will Amber Heard be able to pay this vast sum, and what happens if she just can’t manage it?

In their Divorce case in 2016, Heard received $7 million in divorce settlement, which she said she was going to give to charity.  However, during the recent trial the 36 year old claimed she couldn't act on her word, after Depp had sued her for $50 million. During the trial Heard stated "I fully intend to honour all of my pledges. I would love for him to stop suing me so I can." It now seems unlikely whether she will ever be able to keep her pledge with her now owing over $10 million dollars to her ex-husband. 

As well as the money from the divorce settlement Heard also has what she earned from the Aquaman films, with the sequel coming out next year. Although Heard has made millions from her work, her legal costs stacked up during the trial. Amber Heard's net worth is reportedly around $8 million, over two million dollars short of what she now owes Depp. With all this in mind it is looking like Heard might not be able to pay what she owes in damages. 

Heard may attempt to appeal the Jury’s decision, as she said in a statement after the verdict: “The disappointment I feel today is beyond words. 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.” However, even if Heard does try to appeal the verdict, she will still have to post a bond for the full amount.