Johnny Depp Trial Juror Explains Why Jury Didn’t Believe Amber Heard’s Side Of The Story

A 53-year-old former juror, Tom Nugen, offered insight into what transpired in the deliberation room in a new book.

The trial of popular actors Johnny Depp and Amber Heard was one of the most talked-about affairs in 2022 and 2023. In recent updates, a juror from their Virginia trial has spoken out in a new book about the legal drama and the jury’s decision-making process. According to the book, the women on the jury were ‘tougher’ on Amber than the men. Read to know more about it.

About Johnny Depp, Amber Heard’s Trial

It was the Hollywood Vampires: Johnny Depp, Amber Heard, and The Celebrity Exploitation Machine, by Kelly Loudenberg and Makiko Wholey. A 53-year-old former juror, Tom Nugen, offered insight into what transpired in the deliberation room. In the book, Nugen claimed that women jurors were tougher on the actress. (The seven-member jury had five men and two women).

He mentioned that Aheard’s story had a lot of ‘holes’ and it was ‘hard’ for them to believe anything. He added, “We didn’t believe a lot of what she was saying. They’re all actors; they can put on a different face if you pay them enough.” Nugen revealed that he enjoyed Depp’s testimony, where he went back and forth with Amber’s lawyers. Having him on the stand was a ‘breath of fresh air’ for them.

Also Read: Johnny Depp’s Legal Team Issues A Statement As Amber Heard Settles

Before the court battle, many jurors were not aware of Heard. To Nugen, the trial demonstrated that ‘not every case of abuse is from the man.’ He pointed out that in many previous cases, the abuser may well have been the man, but highlighted the danger of preconceived notions. For him, someone like Johnny Depp can withstand the backlash because of his wealth, fame, and influence. However, Tom Nugen said that for an ordinary man like himself, it would be different as he could lose everything—his job, his reputation, and his future—based on accusations alone.

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Also Read: 6 Reasons Amber Heard Is Settling In The Johnny Depp Defamation Case

First Published: June 18, 2025 10:54 AM