The final verdict in Johnny Depp’s libel suit against his ex-wife Amber Heard has been released – Johnny Depp has won the case against Amber Heard. On Wednesday, a Virginia jury found Heard guilty of defaming Depp in an op-ed she published in 2018. The verdict comes after a lengthy legal battle between Hollywood stars. The six-week trial saw shocking evidence and testimony from both sides.
According to multiple reports, Johnny Depp was awarded $15 million – $10 million in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages. On the other hand, Amber Heard was awarded $2 million in compensatory damages by the jury. The decision was reportedly made by a jury of five men and two women within three days of post-trial deliberations.
Johnny Depp sued Amber Heard for $50 million over her editorial in The Washington Post in which she alleged she was the victim of domestic violence. Although the Pirates of the Caribbean star was not named in the article, the actor claimed he has lost roles, including an upcoming Pirates movie and the Fantastic Beasts franchise, due to Heard’s allegations. Amber Heard had sued for $100 million, claiming Depp’s lawyer defamed her by calling her claims a “hoax”.
During the highly publicized trial, the Hollywood stars had made several statements. Amber alleged that Johnny physically and sexually abused her for years during their marriage. The jury reviewed tapes of the former couple’s fights, graphic images and shocking testimonials as the stars spoke. However, Depp maintained that he never hit Heard or any woman and that Heard was in turn violent.
