Johnny Depp and Amber Heard ‘defame each other’ as verdict is out UK News

Depp, 58, who was not in court over the ruling, sued the Aquaman star for US$50 million over the Washington Post article titled: ‘I spoke out against sexual violence – and I faced the wrath of our culture. This must change.

Although the article did not mention Mr Depp by name, his lawyers said it incorrectly implied that he physically and sexually abused Ms Heard while they were together.

Amber Heard. Credit: PA

After six weeks of evidence and around 13 hours of deliberation, jurors returned a verdict in favor of Mr Depp on Wednesday at around 8pm UK time.

Amber Heard was awarded $2 million in compensatory damages

The jury ruled that Heard’s defamation allegations against her ex-husband were not fully proven, but were awarded $2 million in compensatory damages.

Heard received nothing in punitive damages

After the verdict, Ms Heard said she felt “heartbroken” by the decision, adding that she was “even sadder” to have “lost the right” to “speak freely and openly”.

“The disappointment I feel today is beyond words. I am heartbroken that the mountain of evidence is still not enough to stand up to the disproportionate power, influence and sway of my ex-husband,” she said in a statement.

“I am even more disappointed with what this verdict means for other women.

“It’s a step back. It takes the clock back to a time when a woman who spoke out and spoke out could be publicly shamed and humiliated.

“It pushes back the idea that violence against women should be taken seriously.

“I believe Johnny’s lawyers have succeeded in causing the jury to overlook the key issue of free speech and ignore the evidence so compelling that we have won in the UK.

“I am sad to have lost this case. But I’m even sadder to have lost a right I thought I had as an American – to speak freely and openly.

Ms Heard was present for the verdict, but Mr Depp was not, as a source confirmed to the PA news agency that he was still in the UK.

In his statement from his spokesperson, Mr Depp said: “Six years ago, my life, the lives of my children, the lives of my loved ones, and also the lives of people who for many, many years , supported and believed in me changed forever.

“All in the blink of an eye.

“False, very serious and criminal allegations were made to me via the media, which triggered an endless barrage of hateful content, although no charges were ever brought against me. It had already circled the world twice in a nanosecond and had a seismic impact on my life and career.

“And six years later, the jury gave my life back to me. I’m really humbled.

Mr Depp went on to say that his decision to pursue the case “was only made after careful consideration” and that his aim was to “reveal the truth, whatever the outcome”.

“Telling the truth was something I owed to my children and everyone who remained steadfast in their support of me. I feel at peace knowing I’ve finally accomplished this,” the actor said.

He said he was ‘overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and colossal support and kindness from around the world’, adding: ‘I hope my quest for the truth to be told has helped others, men and women , who have found themselves in my situation, and that those who support them never give up.

Mr Depp said: “The best is yet to come and a new chapter has finally begun” before concluding: “Veritas numquam perit. Truth never fails.”

Johnny Depp. Credit: PA

In recent days, the actor has made stage appearances with musician Jeff Beck in Sheffield and at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

When the verdict was delivered, he was said to have been in the North East of England.

The actor had always denied the ‘scandalous and extravagant’ abuse allegations and said he had ‘spoken for what I had reluctantly carried on my back for six years’ during his own testimony.

Although the actors live in California, the case was brought to Virginia since that’s where the Washington Post’s online editions are published via servers located in Fairfax County.

The trial saw witnesses including family members, friends, colleagues, employees and others, including British model Kate Moss, as well as Mr Depp and Ms Heard.

During the trial at Fairfax County District Court, legions of fans gathered outside in an attempt to enter the courtroom and watch the proceedings.