Johnny Depp has won his libel lawsuit against Amber Heard, declaring that he now has his life back after a jury found him defamed and handed him $15 million.
Amber Heard was given $2 million in compensatory damages after less than three days of deliberation, out of the $100 million she sought in her countersuit against her ex-husband. Punitive damages were assessed to her for zero dollars.
Judge Reduces Johnny Depp's Punitive Damages To Pay Amber Heard
Even though the jury awarded Johnny Depp $15 million, the court lowered the $5 million punitive damages verdict to the Virginia maximum of $350,000, bringing Depp's total to $10,350,000 - minus the $2 million he must pay Heard. Johnny Depp will receive $8.35 million in total damages.
Amber Heard was given $2 million in compensatory damages out of the $100 million she sought in her countersuit against her ex-husband. Punitive damages were assessed to her for zero dollars. Depp was not present because he was in the UK on tour with guitar great Jeff Beck, according to a source, owing to "already booked work responsibilities." He was photographed partying with Beck and UK singer Sam Fender at a bar in Newcastle.
Meanwhile, Amber Heard seemed worried as she entered court in a black gown. After the verdict was read, Heard hugged her lawyers briefly before exiting the courthouse. Johnny Depp's legal team was all smiles as they embraced in a 10-person group hug. The jurors returned to the courtroom with their verdict, only to be told by the judge that they hadn't finished the paperwork correctly.
An officer of the court handed the judge an envelope and invited the attorneys to approach for a quick talk. Before her attorneys returned to her, Amber Heard gazed down at the floor, lost in contemplation. The jury departed after the judge instructed them not to go too far before returning to give the verdict. Amber Heard looked downcast as she climbed into a vehicle with blacked-out windows with her sister Whitney. As she entered, a member of her legal team could be seen placing her hand on her back, according to Daily Mail.
However, the jury gave Johnny Depp a total of $15 million, and the court pointed out that California law limits punitive damages to $350,000, leaving Depp with a $10.35 million award less the $2 million he must pay Heard. The two had been fighting in court for more than seven weeks, each claiming the other had assaulted them.
Johnny Depp, Amber Heard's Statement After Verdict
Johnny Depp's near-sweep shows that the jury questioned Amber Heard's accusations that her ex-husband mistreated her physically and sexually. The decision may clear the door for Depp, who hasn't acted in a major studio picture in years, to resume his previously rich career as a major movie star.
Three Asian males, two white men, a Black woman, and an Asian woman made up the jury. A white lady and an Asian guy were the two alternatives. Over 23 days, Depp's team called more than 40 witnesses, while Heard's team called 22. Over three days, the jury deliberated for 13 hours, as per Rolling Stone.
Following the announcement, both sides made different comments. Amber Heard voiced her dismay and grief at the judgment. The woman said that Johnny Depp's attorneys were successful in getting the jury to overlook the major issue in the trial and disregard their team's evidence.
Meanwhile, once the decision was delivered, Johnny Depp made a statement from abroad. The actor mentioned the life that was robbed from him six years ago. Depp restated the bogus criminal claims leveled against him in the media, which sparked an onslaught of nasty comments. Depp expressed gratitude to everyone who assisted him in speaking the truth, regardless of the consequences, Fox News reported.