Amber Heard, the 36-year-old actress, has announced that she's reached an agreement in the defamation case involving her and her ex-partner, Johnny Depp.
The trial stemmed from a 2018 opinion piece in The Washington Post, in which Depp accused Heard of defaming him. Heard filed an appeal after being convicted in the original trial.
In a recent Instagram post, Heard revealed her "difficult" decision to reach an understanding. She emphasized that it wasn't an act of concession and refrained from disclosing further details about the resolution of the case.
Johnny Depp, famous for his role in the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' saga, had accused Heard of defamation in his op-ed, leading to a legal battle. In the initial trial, the jury convicted Heard and awarded Depp $10 million in compensatory damages, which was later reduced to $350,000, along with $5 million in punitive damages. Heard was also granted 2 million in compensatory damages due to a cross-complaint she filed against Depp for defamation.
Heard appealed the ruling on December 7, citing several errors during the trial, including the court's refusal to admit communications between her and some doctors as evidence.
In her Instagram post, Amber Heard expressed her relief at escaping the burden of a protracted and expensive legal process that she claimed failed to protect her right to freedom of expression. She explained that the financial, psychological, physical, and emotional toll had become unbearable.
Heard reaffirmed her commitment to defending her truth throughout the ordeal and how it had taken a toll on her life. She emphasized that her decision to settle wasn't a concession and that there were no future restrictions or silencing of her voice.
Furthermore, she clarified that even if her appeal trial had gone in her favor, it would have led to another grueling legal battle, something she felt unable to endure for a third time. By reaching an agreement, she now has the freedom to focus on her healing process and her life post-divorce.
Amber Heard concluded her statement by affirming the value of her voice, declaring it her most significant asset. She doesn't regret speaking out publicly about her experiences and remains steadfast in her commitment to her own truth.
