Recently, the world tuned in on Johnny Depp's six-week defamation trial against his ex-wife, Amber Heard. On June 1, 2022, the Pirates of the Caribbean actor won the case — a divisive decision for both celebrities and fans. He was awarded $10 million in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages. Heard was only awarded $2 million in compensatory damages and none for punitive damages.The Aquaman star's lawyer later admitted that the actress can't afford to pay the $10 million settlement to Depp. Meanwhile, in his post-verdict statement, the actor thanked his legal team for his success — making fans wonder if Vasquez got a "special" thank-you after rumors of romantic involvement with her client. Here's the truth about Depp's relationship with the attorney.
When Did The Johnny Depp & Camille Vasquez Dating Rumors Begin?
During a live stream of the trial, Vasquez was caught giving Depp a hug in the courtroom. In just a day, a YouTube clip of the moment uploaded by Asmongold Clips gained over a million views. Media outlets were quick to label the gesture, but many fans thought it was just a "wholesome" act. "I think he was profoundly grateful to her for doing a wonderful job," actress Laurie Holden tweeted. "I think he thinks she is a great person. Clearly there is affection between them as humans. Making anything more of this is just gossipy, ultra woke, cancel culture garbage that everyone is tired of."
Another commenter noted that Vasquez has a boyfriend who was also there in the courtroom. "Yes, I think that there were so much pressure on Vasquez to deliver a perfect cross, for which Johnny waited 6 years, that I think that they had a right to show their happiness and relief," wrote the Twitter user. "Camille Vazquez has a boyfriend who is there at the courtroom supporting her."
Johnny Depp's Lawyer Camille Vasquez Denied Romance Rumors
In an interview with People, Vasquez clarified that she's just friends with the Edward Scissorhands star. "It's disappointing that certain outlets kind of ran with it or said that my interactions with Johnny — who is a friend and I've known and represented for four-and-a-half years now — were inappropriate or unprofessional," she said at the time. "That's disappointing to hear." She added that those malicious headlines come "with the territory of being a woman just doing her job."
Speaking about the hug, the lawyer explained that since she's Colombian and Cuban, it's in her nature to hug people. She's not "ashamed" of it, too. "Of course, I did [hug him]. He's my friend, but he's my client first, and he was going through something very difficult," Vasquez told Univision. "I love my clients very much and I am Hispanic, I like hugging and touching people, not kissing," noting that she "did give him a hug because he needed it."
Johnny Depp Invited Camille Vasquez To Visit Him In Europe
Soon after the verdict, Vasquez was made partner in her law firm, Brown Rudnick. "We are delighted to welcome Camille to the partnership," CEO and chairman, William Baldiga announced less than a week after the trial. "Historically, we have reserved this announcement for the end of our fiscal year. But Camille’s performance during the Johnny Depp trial proved to the world that she was ready to take this next step now. We are incredibly proud of her and look forward to what she will accomplish as our newest partner."
In a statement, the famed lawyer said she was "delighted that Brown Rudnick has given me its full vote of confidence." She added: "I'm proud of the uniquely talented team I’ve had the privilege to lead, which exemplified teamwork and collaboration, and I look forward to continuing to represent Brown Rudnick's culture of excellence." Recently, she also revealed that Depp invited her over to Europe this summer. "I'm hopefully going to be in Europe this summer where he's going to be playing, and he asked me to go there if I wanted to," said the 37-year-old attorney.