Johnny Depp's Libel Case 'Obviously Damaging To Him,' Lawyer Says

Johnny Depp's libel case against The Sun still awaits its final verdict after a messy trial and two legal counsels believe that it could be damaging to the actor’s career.

After several weeks of trial, Depp's libel case against the tabloid that called him a "wife-beater" was heard and they are currently waiting for the judge's verdict. However, two high-profile lawyers believe that the entire process has been damaging to the "Pirates of the Caribbean" star.

“It’s obviously damaging to him, but how damaging is the question,” said Gloria Allred, a lawyer and women’s rights activist, as quoted by Variety.

“I’m not going to speculate his motives for suing The Sun, but whether or not the court finds in his favor, he’s disputing a very serious allegation.”

Depp's ex Amber Heard consulted with Allred before, but she never retained the "Aquaman" star as a client. She has no affiliation to either of the party and she declined to comment on the reported consultation meeting with Heard.

Ko Craft, who specializes in intellectual property, trademark and copyright prosecution, licensing and enforcement, endorsement and commercial agreements, believes that the trial would affect Depp's career. The "Fantastic Beasts" star is not just an actor, he is also the face of Dior's male fragrance. Craft said there would be challenges on Depp's end because brand agreements include moral provisions.

"If you’ve violated some type of morals clause with anything that is questionable, the brand can terminate you with an existing agreement," the attorney said.

"And with new ones, your personal name is your brand. Johnny Depp is a brand.”

Craft has not worked with Depp or Heard, but he agreed that the trial brought a lot of damage due to the dirty laundry exposed during the hearing.

“A lot of the damage has already been done because a lot of dirty laundry has been aired during the trial, against both parties, so his name is being put in a different light or being tarnished, and there could be brands who might not want to engage him as their face because there is now a negative association,” he explained.

“We live in a day in age where it doesn’t matter how big of a star you are. With certain claims, especially domestic abuse and violence against women, it doesn’t matter how big of an A-lister you are. It definitely hurts your brand and your ability to enter into agreements with third parties. This trial will be impactful in that way, no matter what the judgement is.”

However, many continue to support Depp. His former security guard, Rick Wood, sided with him and shared how Heard made up the big drama when she was still with Depp.

Stephen Deuters, Depp's former personal assistant also backed him. Heard never mentioned any abuse when Deuters was still with them, but "The Tourist" star told him several times how Heard attacked him.

“I knew that Ms. Heard was the abuser in the relationship and I was appalled that she would behave in this way,” Deuters said.