TMZ files Emergency Motion in Depp v. Heard! Journalistic Privilege? Lawyer Reaction & Breakdown

TMZ filed an Emergency Motion in Depp v. Heard today (5/24/2022) asking to intervene in the case for the "Limited Purpose of Asserting Journalist's Privilege." Let's walk through the motion and see how it stacks up against the legal standard in Virginia!

Joined by:
@Potentially Criminal
@Runkle Of The Bailey
@Faran Balanced

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Some added context/background: Johnny Depp sued Amber Heard for defamation (seeking $50 million) based on statements Heard made in an op-ed in the Washington Post in December of 2018. Heard has countersued Depp for defamation (seeking $100 million) for statements attributed to Depp describing Heard's op-ed and subsequent actions a hoax to gain notoriety. The case was brought in the Circuit Court for Fairfax County, Virginia, which was found to be the appropriate venue because the Washington Post (publisher of the op-ed) is incorporated in Fairfax County.

Chief Judge, Penny Azcarate is presiding over the matter. Depp is represented by Benjamin Chew, Camille Vasquez, and other members of the law firm of Brown Rudnick LLP. Heard is represented by Elaine Bredehoft, Benjamin Rottenborn, and other members of the law firm of Woods Rogers PLC.

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THIS VIDEO IS FOR EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS LEGAL ADVICE. PLEASE CONSULT WITH COUNSEL IN YOUR JURISDICTION.