NEWSLETTER

Sign up to read weekly email newsletter

13 years 🥳 of Publication, 100k+ Stories, 30+ Countries

Legal Desire Media and Insights
Donate
Search
  • Law Firm & In-house Updates
  • Deals
  • Interviews
  • Insight
  • Read to know
  • Courses
Reading: Amber Heard Loses Appeal in Insurance Battle Linked to Johnny Depp Defamation Case
Share
Aa
Legal Desire Media and InsightsLegal Desire Media and Insights
  • Law Firm & In-house Updates
  • Deals
  • Interviews
  • Insight
  • Read to know
  • Courses
Search
  • Law Firm & In-house Updates
  • Deals
  • Interviews
  • Insight
  • Read to know
  • Courses
Follow US
Legal Desire Media & Insights
Home » Blog » Amber Heard Loses Appeal in Insurance Battle Linked to Johnny Depp Defamation Case
NewsRead to Know

Amber Heard Loses Appeal in Insurance Battle Linked to Johnny Depp Defamation Case

By Legal Desire 3 Min Read
Share
amber heard johnny depp defamation
Source: Flickr

Amber Heard’s legal woes continue as the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit rejected her appeal against New York Marine & General Insurance Co. The insurer, which had partially funded her defense costs in the high-profile defamation case brought by her ex-husband, Johnny Depp, was accused of breaching its duty to defend Heard.

Contents
The Court’s DecisionBackground of the CaseThe Defamation Case’s FalloutLegal RepresentationCase Details

The Court’s Decision

Heard argued that New York Marine violated its policy obligations by refusing to appoint independent counsel. However, the Ninth Circuit ruled in an unpublished opinion that the insurer was under no obligation to cover the cost of independent counsel. Instead, New York Marine fulfilled its duty to defend by continuing to fund the law firm Heard initially retained, Cameron McEvoy PLLC.

Additionally, Heard’s claim that the insurer breached an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing was dismissed. The court concluded that her allegations did not demonstrate that the insurer withheld any benefits due under the policy.

Background of the Case

The dispute originated in 2022 when New York Marine filed a lawsuit in California federal court seeking clarity on its coverage responsibilities in Heard’s defamation trial. The US District Court for the Central District of California dismissed Heard’s counterclaims against the insurer and deemed the coverage action moot. Heard subsequently appealed, but the Ninth Circuit upheld the lower court’s decision on all counts.

The Defamation Case’s Fallout

The underlying defamation case resulted in a jury awarding Johnny Depp $10 million in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages in 2022. However, both parties eventually dropped their appeals as part of a settlement, with another of Heard’s insurers—a unit of Travelers Cos.—paying Depp $1 million.

According to the Ninth Circuit ruling, New York Marine contributed over $600,000 to Travelers for its share of Heard’s defense costs.

Legal Representation

New York Marine was represented by Musick, Peeler & Garrett LLP, while Heard was represented by Pasich LLP.

Case Details

  • Case Name: New York Marine & General Ins. Co. v. Heard
  • Court: Ninth Circuit
  • Case Number: No. 23-3399
  • Date: November 25, 2024

Amber Heard’s legal battle over insurance coverage is another chapter in the broader saga stemming from her public and contentious legal fight with Johnny Depp.

You Might Also Like

Deportation Dilemma: Are US Immigration Policy Changes Fuelling Foreign Affairs Friction?

Simple Ways to Stay Safe From Accidents and What to Do If You Get Hurt

Herbert Smith Freehills and Kramer Levin Finalize Merger, Creating $2B Global Law Firm

Juan Monteverde Examines the Ninth Circuit’s Break from Tradition in Securities Law

Why Is Hiring the Right Divorce Lawyer Essential for Your Case?

Subscribe

Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!

Don’t miss out on new posts, Subscribe to newsletter Get our latest posts and announcements in your inbox.

Sign Up For Daily Newsletter

Be keep up! Get the latest breaking news delivered straight to your inbox.

Don’t miss out on new posts, Subscribe to newsletter Get our latest posts and announcements in your inbox.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Legal Desire November 30, 2024
Share this Article
Facebook Twitter Email Copy Link Print

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

Deportation Dilemma: Are US Immigration Policy Changes Fuelling Foreign Affairs Friction?

US immigration policy has always been a contentious topic, both domestically and internationally. Recent changes, particularly concerning deportation practices, are…

Read to Know
June 6, 2025

Simple Ways to Stay Safe From Accidents and What to Do If You Get Hurt

Most people wake up and go about their day without thinking too much about safety. They drive to work, walk…

Read to Know
June 5, 2025

Herbert Smith Freehills and Kramer Levin Finalize Merger, Creating $2B Global Law Firm

June 2, 2025 – Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) and Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel have completed their transatlantic merger, forming Herbert…

News
June 5, 2025

Juan Monteverde Examines the Ninth Circuit’s Break from Tradition in Securities Law

In recent years, the Ninth Circuit has emerged as a pivotal force in shaping modern securities litigation by departing from…

Read to Know
June 5, 2025

For over 10 years, Legal Desire provides credible legal industry updates and insights across the globe.

  • About
  • Contact Us
  • Legal Marketing Service for Law Firms and Lawyers
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Condition
  • Cancellation/Refund Policy

Follow US: 

Legal Desire Media & Insights

For Submissions/feedbacks/sponsorships/advertisement/syndication: office@legaldesire.com

Legal Desire Media & Insights 2023

✖
Cleantalk Pixel

Removed from reading list

Undo
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?