Video Apology Issued By Johnny Depp And Amber Heard

A sober apology was issued by Amber Heard and Johnny Depp recently for their failure in properly declaring the entry of two Yorkshire terriers in Australia last year. An Australian court did not convict the wife of the actor for dog-smuggling.

Heard pleaded guilty to consciously providing misleading or false information even as two charges of importing the dogs illegally were dismissed. The video apology showed a stoic-looking Heard sitting beside Depp to express her apology for not declaring Boo and Pistol as well as highlighting the importance of protecting Australia. The Australian government released the video.

Amber Heard described Australia as a treasure trove of unique animals, plants and people. She also said the country is free of diseases and pests that are found in many places around the world, and due to this it was necessary for Australia to have strict biosecurity laws.

Johnny Depp also said the Australians are unique, warm and direct. He added that they will tell you when you disrespect their laws. He ended the video by telling people to declare everything each time they enter Australia.

Video Apology Issued By Johnny Depp And Amber Heard - image credit: cbc.ca

The actress was given a one-month good behavior bond sentence by the court magistrate. While she will have to pay AUS$ 1000 or US$ 767 if she breaks the bond, it will not be put on record. The court magistrate took into account that it was necessary for Amber Heard to travel for her work. While the offense was not considered trivial, the court did not believe that the actress thought she was beyond the reach of the law.

The couple travelled to Australia in April on board a private jet. Depp went to the country for the filming of the “Pirates of the Caribbean.” Even as Depp was not charged, he accompanied Heard in her appearance at the Southport Magistrates Court along the Gold Coast.

Media besieged the couple even as police maintained order in the area. The defense team of Amber Heard described the situation as a terrible mistake. Heard said when she filled out the immigration forms upon arrival, she was distracted. But, the prosecution said the stringent biosecurity law of Australia is applicable to everyone.

An assistant of Heard responsible for the travel arrangements of the two dogs was dismissed following the incident. Illegal importation of animals into Australia has a ten-year maximum penalty along with an AUS$ 102,000 or US$ 75,000 fine. On the other hand, the maximum penalty for a false document charge is one year in prison along with an AUS$ 10,200 or US$ 7,500.

The incident involving the celebrity couple was put on the world’s stage after Minister Barnaby Joyce of the Australian Agriculture Ministry threatened to have the two dogs euthanized. Joyce said it was necessary for Depp to bring back the dogs to California or they will be put down. A 72-hour ultimatum was given to the couple. Johnny Depp and Amber Heard immediately went back to California but the incident resulted to attention around the world.

Posted by Kade Quinn on Tuesday April 19 2016, 2:01 AM EDT. All trademarks acknowledged. Filed under Entertainment. Comments and Trackbacks closed. Follow responses: RSS 2.0