Major blow to Amber Heard appeal as judge orders payout to Johnny Depp

As Amber Heard hung out in the Hamptons, a judge cut off the possibility to settle with Johnny Depp and added interest to the massive payout ahead of her planned appeal.

Amber Heard is set to appeal the defamation ruling against her after the court’s deadline passed to reach a settlement with Johnny Depp.

In formally filing the verdict in the defamation hearing, Judge Penny Azcarete said Heard must post a bond for USD $10.35 million with an annual interest of six per cent from the date of the order on Friday local time.

Amber Heard testifies at the Fairfax County Circuit Courthouse. Picture: AFP

With a similar ruling of USD$2 million in her favour, she will owe the balance of $8.35 million, or roughly AUD $12 million.

Judge Azcarete had given the actors’ legal teams until June 24 to reach a settlement agreement.

But after lawyers told the court no settlement had been reached, the verdict was entered into the docket - making it official and cutting off the possibility of settling for a reduced amount

The actress, who was reportedly “broke”, will now have to pay roughly USD $621,000 interest per year if she doesn’t pay the full amount.

Johnny Depp after closing arguments. Picture: AFP

In a statement shared with media, a spokesperson for Ms Heard referenced January 6 hearings to confirm the actress would appeal.

“As stated in yesterday’s congressional hearings, you don’t ask for a pardon if you are innocent. And, you don’t decline to appeal if you know you are right.”

Heard has 30 days to file a notice of appeal. Depp’s legal team also objected to the settlement against him, opening the possibility of an appeal to the part of the verdict in Heard’s favour.

Neither Depp nor Heard was present in the courthouse.

Heard was photographed a day earlier shopping at the fish counter at Citarella in Southampton, New York. Last week she was spotted shopping at J Maxx in Bridgehampton.

“She was very unassuming,” a fellow shopper told the New York Post. “She was very Hamptons casual. No makeup. Everyone left her alone.”