Johnny Depp emerged victorious in the legal battle against Amber Heard, securing a settlement of $8.35 million.
Following weeks of trial and three days of jury deliberations, a unanimous decision was reached in the case involving the two actors suing each other.
The culmination of nearly two months of hearings took place on June 1 at the courthouse in Fairfax, Virginia. The highly publicized trial featured testimonies from witnesses and experts. The outcome, announced after the verdict reading, declared Johnny Depp as the clear winner.
Upon the scheduled time for the verdict reading, Judge Penney Azcarate called the lawyers of both parties to her bench, indicating an unresolved matter. The jury was then asked to return to deliberations, filling out forms to determine the compensation amount for the victorious party. The suspense continued until the jury's return for the final reading.
At around 2:20 p.m. GMT-5, the reading commenced. The jury affirmed the validity of Depp's accusations against Heard in his complaint and acknowledged some truth in Heard's counterclaims against Depp.
Compensatory damages awarded to Johnny Depp amounted to $10 million, with an additional $5 million in punitive damages. However, in adherence to state law, the judge reduced the punitive damages to $350,000. Amber Heard was granted $2 million in compensatory damages, to be paid by Depp. In the end, Depp emerged with $8.35 million.
Following the verdict, Amber Heard expressed her disappointment on social media, emphasizing the challenges faced by women speaking out against powerful figures. She lamented the perceived setback in addressing violence against women seriously.
Johnny Depp had filed a defamation lawsuit against Amber Heard, seeking $50 million in damages for her opinion column in The Washington Post. Amber Heard's attempt to have the complaint dismissed was denied. In response, she countersued Depp, citing lawyer Adam Waldman's remarks about her alleged mistreatment as a "hoax."
Over six weeks, both parties presented their cases, involving testimonies from Depp's sister to a doctor who treated him for an alleged injury inflicted by Heard. Heard also provided evidence of physical attacks she claimed Depp had committed and disclosed instances of s---al violation.
The outcome of the trial not only settled the legal dispute but also prompted reflections on the broader implications for women speaking out against abuse.
