What time does the Johnny Depp vs Amber Heard trial begin today and could the court decision happen?

Proceedings for the Johnny Depp and Amber Heard defamation case came to an end last week as closing arguments were made.

Depp is suing Heard for defamation because of an op-ed she published in the Washington Post in 2018. Heard is countersuing Depp.

The jury received the case on Friday afternoon (27 May), with deliberations set to continue today, Tuesday 31 May. We take a look at what time the Johnny Depp vs Amber Heard trial and jury deliberations will begin today.

WHAT TIME DOES THE JOHNNY DEPP VS AMBER HEARD TRIAL BEGIN TODAY?

According to The Washington Post, jury deliberations in Fairfax, Virginia, are set to start today, 31 May at 9 am local time (ET).

Jury discussions initially began on Friday following closing arguments when the jury was asked to retire.

While deliberations have resumed, there is not a fixed date at which a verdict will be given.

The earliest a decision could be made is today however, it may be more likely that a verdict will be reached within the week.

CLOSING ARGUMENTS WERE HEARD ON FRIDAY

The main proceedings of the Johnny Depp and Amber Heard defamation case came to an end after six weeks on Friday (27 May).

The case kicked off last month (11 April) in Virginia at the Fairfax County Courthouse.

The trial was scheduled to run over five weeks, however, due to a scheduling conflict, the trial was put on hold for a week earlier this month. Proceedings resumed on Monday, 16 May before ending Friday.

RUMOUR CLAIMS DEPP AND HEARD MAY NOT BE PRESENT FOR VERDICT

Following the end of proceedings last week, rumours circulated online have claimed neither Johnny Depp nor Amber Heard will be present in court for the verdict.

As per the International Business Times, Kentucky-based lawyer Larry Forman claimed on Twitter over the weekend both Depp and Heard would not be in Fairfax, Virginia, amid the verdict.

In a second tweet on Monday, the lawyer has since claimed while Depp is still said to not be attending, it has not been clarified if Heard will or not.

The rumours follow recent reports that Depp had performed alongside guitarist Jeff Beck on stage in the UK on Sunday (29 May).