Johnny Depp‘s lawyer, Benjamin Chew, provided insights into the ongoing It Ends With Us legal drama during an appearance on Law&Crime Sidebar with Jesse Weber on Tuesday. Chew, who previously represented Depp in his high-profile defamation lawsuit against Amber Heard, described Justin Baldoni’s legal strategy as “very aggressive.”
“I think it is very aggressive,” Chew remarked, referring to Baldoni’s recent decision to launch a website detailing his amended complaint along with an “alleged timeline of relevant events.” He praised the move, stating, “I think it is very impressive. Normally, you would not do something like that before a hearing, but I’m sure that they vetted it carefully, vetted the material carefully.”
The website in question contains a compilation of text messages, emails, and other communications involving Baldoni, his co-star Blake Lively, and her husband, Ryan Reynolds. Chew acknowledged the posting of legal pleadings as part of public records but expressed concern about the use of work product or advocacy pieces, suggesting it may cross a line. Nevertheless, he branded Baldoni’s approach as “bold” and “novel.”
When questioned about any parallels between the Depp-Heard case and the current Baldoni-Lively situation, Chew highlighted the distinct challenges each side faces. He noted, “Both sides run the risk… more risk… I think… than in Depp v. Heard of the jury not understanding why they should really care as much as I think the jurors may have in Depp and Heard.”
Chew maintained impartiality regarding which party has the advantage in the It Ends With Us matter. However, he pointed out that “the more they can cite to audiotape and videotape, I think that is particularly persuasive evidence.” He added, “Everybody can see it. And I think it’s much more impactful than just assertions, certainly assertions of counsel.”
