Attorney Elaine Charlson Bredehoft argued that because of the nature of the case – including sexual violence – cameras should not be allowed in the Fairfax County Circuit Court during an upcoming trial in which Depp has accused his ex-wife of defaming him and derailing his career.
Bredehoft said Heard was the victim of assault "including rape" during and before her marriage to Depp, which was lasted from 2015 to 2017.
While Bredehoft did not offer specific details or name Depp as the alleged rapist, his attorney, Benjamin Chew of Brown Rudnick, called the charges both false and outrageous. Heard "is a liar," Chew said. He told Judge Penney S. Azcarate that Depp favors transparency and does not object to cameras in the courtroom.
Azcarate, who is the chief judge in Fairfax County, said the Virginia statute referred to by Bredehoft involves criminal cases. In civil cases like this one, the judge has discretion. Azcarate said she has received requests for camera coverage from multiple news outlets and will allow one pool camera in the courtroom.
The judge added that there would be restrictions on what could be photographed and filmed.
-Thanks to Laura B on Twitter for the document (above)-