Judge warns Johnny Depp's fans she'll REMOVE them if they laugh and interrupt trial again

Judge Penney Azcarate called out the fans when laughter erupted during one of Depp’s comments during the trial

PUBLISHED APR 26, 2022

Johnny Depp steps outside court during the 8th day of his civil trial at Fairfax County Circuit Court on April 19, 2022, in Fairfax, Virginia. (Paul Morigi/Getty Images)

The presiding judge at Johnny Depp and Amber Heard's trial has asked the actor's fans to keep order in the courtroom or else they will be removed from the courtroom immediately. On April 25 when laughter erupted from the courtroom audience after one of Depp's statements in his defamation trial against ex-wife Amber Heard, Judge Penney Azcarate shouted out to the crowd saying, “Order in the court or I will have you removed. Understood?” The incident happened when Depp was asked about other film series he's worked in besides 'Pirates of the Caribbean'. Depp mentioned 'Alice in Wonderland' before trying to identify any others adding “I’m so pathetic when it comes to knowing what movies I’ve done. I’m sorry. I just, I don’t watch them. I feel better not watching them. What was the question again?” The answer prompted a burst of laughter from the trial's audience.

Meanwhile, Azcarate is no stranger to exercising judicial authority in this case itself. Azcarate earlier banned two Depp admirers from the courtroom after they made threatening statements against Heard online, according to the New York Post. A source reportedly told the newspaper that, in addition to being impolite, Depp's admirers are leaving chewed bubble gum on the courtroom seats, much to Azcarate's displeasure. The highly-publicized trial was subject to rigorous regulations imposed by the Fairfax, Virginia court prior to the start of the trial. According to a court order, neither Depp nor Heard is allowed to 'pose for pictures or sign autographs in the Courthouse or on Courthouse grounds,' and if they do, they will be 'punished accordingly.' Fans were seen waiting in line for hours to see the trial. However, the document also specified that 'no overnight camping is permitted on Courthouse grounds' and that 'all spectators are expected to dress in a manner consistent with the decorum of a judicial proceeding.'

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According to the PEOPLE, the court further stated that “audible comments of any kind during the court proceedings or provocative or uncivil behavior within the courtroom or courthouse will not be tolerated. There shall be no gestures, facial expressions, or the like, suggesting approval or disapproval during the proceedings. Anyone violating this Order will be expelled immediately from the courtroom and will not be able to return during the pendency of the trial.” Earlier this month, Depp's defamation trial against Heard began. Depp is suing Heard for $50 million in retaliation for a 2018 Washington Post op-ed in which she claimed being assaulted by a guy who many assumed was Depp. Depp alleges that the op-ed has harmed his Hollywood career.

Johnny Depp steps outside court during the 8th day of his civil trial at Fairfax County Circuit Court on April 19, 2022, in Fairfax, Virginia. Depp is seeking $50 million in alleged damages to his career over an op-ed Heard wrote in the Washington Post in 2018. (Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images)

This lawsuit also comes after Depp sued The Sun of United Kingdom for defamation for labeling him a 'wife-beater,' but the case was dismissed. Earlier, Heard also wrote on her Instagram that she is going to avoid using social media until the trial is over. She said, "Hopefully when this case concludes, I can move on and so can Johnny. I have always maintained a love for Johnny and it brings me great pain to have to live out the details of our past life together in front of the world. At this time, I recognize the ongoing support I've been fortunate to receive throughout these years, and in these coming weeks I will be leaning on it more than ever."