Hollywood actor Johnny Depp has won his defamation case against ex-wife Amber Heard over an article in which the latter had claimed to be a victim of domestic violence. The jury awarded Depp $10m in compensatory damages and $5m in punitive damages.
The jury concluded that Heard’s statements about her marriage were ‘false’ and she had acted with ‘actual malice.’
The jury also found Depp guilty of defaming his ex-wife and awarded her $2 million in damages.
Also Read: Who is Dr. Richard Shaw, witness in Johnny Depp vs. Amber Heard Defamation Trial?
Reacting to the verdict, Heard said in a statement that she was ‘heartbroken’ and ‘the disappointment’ she felt was ‘beyond words.’
Depp, for his part, said in a statement, “The jury gave me my life back. I am truly humbled.”
He said, “My decision to pursue this case, knowing very well the height of the legal hurdles that I would be facing and the inevitable, worldwide spectacle into my life, was only made after considerable thought.
“From the very beginning, the goal of bringing this case was to reveal the truth, regardless of the outcome.
“The best is yet to come and a new chapter has finally begun.
“Veritas numquam perit.
“Truth never perishes.”
The defamation trial had garnered global attention with the US audience following the hearing as a daily soap opera. Depp’s lawyer, 37-year-old Camille Vasquez had become a huge star, earning plaudits for her sharp legal mind.
Reacting to the verdict, Vasquez said that it confirmed that ‘the claims against Johnny Depp are defamatory and unsupported by any evidence.’ Speaking outside the court, she said, “We are… so grateful to the jury for their careful deliberation.”
58-year-old Depp had sued his ex-wife for $50m for an article that she wrote for The Washington Post in which she claimed to be a victim of domestic abuse.
Heard too filed a counter-defamation suit for $100m saying that he smeared her by calling her a liar.