Amber Heard is currently in A defamation lawsuit filed against her by her ex-husband Johnny Depp, But the actress is also wading through the mud in Australia.
Local authorities in the country recently confirmed they are still investigating whether she allegedly gave perjury by bringing her dog into the country illegally without declaring quarantine, and a legal expert is weighing possible changes to Hurd in the incident .
serious crime allegation “Aquaman” starA spokeswoman for Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment (DAWE) told Fox News Digital on Thursday that the 36-year-old lied under oath “during court proceedings for the illegal importation of (her) two dogs into Australia in 2015.”
The department stipulates that foreign pets must be quarantined for 10 days when they are first brought into the country, and they believe Hurd is aware of the strict policy but allegedly ignored it anyway, smuggling them into the land below.
JOHNNY DEPP V. AMBER Hearing Live Update on Defamation Trial
“The Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment (Department) is investigating allegations of perjury by Ms Heard in court proceedings for the illegal importation of (her) two dogs into Australia in 2015,” the spokesman said. Weekly newspaper“As this matter is ongoing, the department cannot make any further comment.”
The investigation was first disclosed in October, and the department said it was “seeking to obtain witness statements and, once obtained, the federal attorney general will consider whether the evidence is sufficient to warrant an investigation into the matter.”
A representative for Hurd did not immediately respond to Fox News’ request for comment.
2015 – while Heard and “Pirates of the CaribbeanThe star, 58, remains an object – she brought the couple’s two Yorkshire terriers, Boo and Pistol, to Australia and claims Depp’s assistant Kevin Murphy will make the necessary arrangements to get the dogs was properly admitted, according to a court statement to Murphy.
Depp’s aides allegedly told Hurd that bringing the dogs to Australia would violate its rules protecting biosecurity from foreign entities. Hurd allegedly made false statements on her immigration card, and she reportedly chose “no” to import anything into the country that should have been declared.
Why did Amber watch the jury through testimony during the JOHNNY DEPP trial?Legal experts explain
“Just because he’s Johnny Depp doesn’t mean he’s exempt from Australian law,” then Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce told a news conference in May 2015. “If you want to bring animals, there’s a process — you get a permit, they go into quarantine, and then you can get them… It’s time for Pistol and Boo to sneak back into the US.”
The global incident led to an apology video from the ex-couple, and Depp hired a private jet to fly Boo and Pistol back to Los Angeles for their safety, with Deputy Prime Minister Joyce tweeting: “Dog gone.”
celebrity lawyer Chris MelcherWalzer Melcher’s partner – who was not involved in the Australian investigation or in the domestic defamation trial in the US – explained his Australian estimates from a legal standpoint.
Ellen Barkin testifies against Johnny Depp: A look at EXES romance and what she said in the stands
“When Amber Heard faced criminal charges in Australia for making false statements about the couple’s dog on an entry form, her defence was that she relied on the aide to ensure the dog could enter the country, assuming the aide had the proper clearance. ‘ Melcher explained to Fox News Digital.
“Assistant Kate James was previously sacked and did not provide a statement in support of Amber’s story. So Amber submitted a statement from another assistant, Kevin Murphy, who proved it was Ms James’ fault. Taking this statement, Amber and the Australian Court of Justice A deal was negotiated and she admitted to submitting false documents (arrival forms) and received a warning.”
However, “Mr Murphy later came forward to say he lied in that statement. It was Mr Murphy. [who] Tried to clear the dogs for travel and told Amber he couldn’t do the process and the dogs couldn’t fly,” the lawyer added, adding that Murphy was admitted to another case in London’s High Court in 2020.
Melcher pressured Fox News Digital that, based on Murphy’s own admission that he lied in statements to the court, the Australian government could impose severe penalties on Heard.
“If his new claims are to be believed, the Australian government can charge Amber with bribery, perjury or perversion of justice, punishable by seven to 14 years in prison,” Melcher explained. “Due to the seriousness of these crimes, there is no time limit on when charges can be brought.”
Hurd was initially charged with criminally importing animals illegally and knowingly producing false or misleading documents that could carry a 10-year prison sentence. Hurd eventually pleaded guilty and paid a $1,000 fine.
Meanwhile, Depp and Hurd issued a statement about the importance of respecting Australian law and “declaring it all”, many said There are conditions for making a “hostage video”.
Witness backs AMBER HEARD’s abuse allegations against Johnny Depp
“The Australians have good reason to charge. Not only did Amber bring Boo and Pistol into Australia illegally, threatening Australia’s biosecurity, but the court was fooled into granting her leniency based on Mr Murphy’s statement,” Melcher added.
also, Heard she later named her new dog ‘Barnaby Joyce’ After Australia’s deputy prime minister publicly told her dog to “go back to America”.
At the time, Joyce said he was “fine” to the nickname, Notice: “I have a real sense of accomplishment that I’m still in her mind long after I forgot about them,” he said.
Click here to sign up for the Entertainment Newsletter
However, Melcher believed Hurd’s actions “added further insults” as Joyce “condemned the couple for taking the dog without proper permission”.
Meanwhile, in the U.S. defamation case involving Heard and Depp, the trial is on day 20, with the defense presenting its case. Heard’s sister Whitney, her former best friend Raquel Pennington, and actress and Depp’s ex-boyfriend Ellen Barkin all testified on Heard’s behalf.
The closing debate is expected to begin on Friday, May 27.
