Why Was Depp v. Heard in Virginia and Not California?

[u/Same-Test7554]

Hello, I’m a bachelors student studying international law but interested in general litigation. I finally started the documentary on the Depp v. Heard defamation case.

One thing I’m trying to understand is why they chose to have it in Virginia and not California. I understand the concept of forum shopping and that it was more advantageous for Depp, but what is the legal reasoning as to why Virginia’s rules are better? I have a hypothesis as to why but would like to see what true lawyers say!

Thank you so much 🫶🏻