Six weeks after the Johnny Depp defamation trial against his ex-wife Amber Heard encapsulated Fairfax County, VA, a verdict was reached.
Johnny Depp defamation lawsuit: Here’s how much Amber Heard must pay
Following days of deliberations, the jury finally reached a consensus and both parties were hauled back into court one last time, to hear the case’s outcome.
Depp filed a defamation lawsuit against Heard, seeking $50 million (est. R779,8 million) in damages for the loss of work he suffered following the infamous op-ed she published in The Washington Post in 2018.
In response, Heard counter-sued Depp for $100 million (est. R1,5 billion), doubling down on her claims of abuse and sexual assault against the Pirates of the Caribbean actor.
On Wednesday, the chickens came to roost for Heard, after the jury found that Depp had successfully proved his defamation case. In light of the evidence presented by both parties, the jury saw it fit to award Depp $15 million (est. R233,9 million) in damages, $10 million (est. R155,9 million) of which is compensatory.
While the jury didn’t exactly side with Heard, it was recognised that she too, to some degree, was defamed by her ex-husband and thus, she was awarded $2 million (est. R31,1 million) in damages.
Depp, who has been on tour with Beck in the United Kingdom (UK) received the favourable ruling in absentia. Heard, on the other hand, was present in court and in a statement released shortly after matters were adjourned, she lambasted the verdict as “a setback” for women affected by domestic abuse.
“The disappointment I feel today is beyond words. I’m heartbroken that the mountain of evidence still was not enough to stand up to the disproportionate power, influence, and sway of my ex-husband. I’m even more disappointed with what this verdict means for other women.
“It is a setback. It sets back the clock to a time when a woman who spoke up and spoke out could be publicly shamed and humiliated. It sets back the idea that violence against women is to be taken seriously,” she wrote.
Here is the actress’ full statement:
— Amber Heard (@realamberheard) June 1, 2022
