After six weeks of testimony in the defamation trial between Pirates of the Caribbean star Johnny Depp and his ex-wife, Aquaman 2 star Amber Heard , the jury has voted in favor of Johnny Depp, deciding that Amber Heard calling her ex a sexual abuser in 2018 Washington Post op-ed was defamation, as reported by TMZ.
The jury was presented the closing arguments from both Johnny and Amber’s legal teams on Friday and was dismissed to begin deliberations that same afternoon.
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It has been reported that the jury in Fairfax, Virginia has reached a unanimous verdict, deciding that Amber Heard calling her ex-husband Johnny Depp a sexual abuser was defamation.
The trial was filled with emotional testimony, domestic and sexual abuse allegations and a long list of witnesses brought in by both Johnny and Amber’s legal teams.
As reported by NBC News, the jury awarded the “Sleepy Hollow” actor $15 million in damages.
The breakdown consists of $10 million in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages in Johnny’s defamation suit.
The jury also awarded Amber Heard $2 million in compensatory damages.
Amber has released a statement on social media following her losing verdict, in which she indicates she is “heartbroken” and “disappointed” at what this verdict will mean for other women.
“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,” she continued.
“It’s a setback. It sets back the clock at 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.”
“I believe Johnny’s attorney’s succeeded in getting the jury to overlook the key issue of Freedom of Speech that was so conclusive that we won in the UK.”
“I’m sad I lost this case,” she added. “But I’m sadder still that I seem to have lost the right I thought I had as an American — to speak freely and openly.”
It was reported earlier today that Johnny Depp would not be present in Virginia for the reading of the verdict.
Instead, the actor will be watching live from the UK, as per a source close to the actor , “due to a previously scheduled work commitment made before the trial.”
In response to the verdict, the 58-year-old actor released a statement from across the pond.
“Six years ago, my life, the life of my children, the lives of those closest to me, and also, the lives of the people who for many, many years have supported and believed in me were forever changed. All in the blink of an eye,” the statement began.
“False, very serious and criminal allegations were levied at me via the media, which triggered an endless barrage of hateful content, although no charges were ever brought against me.”
“From the very beginning, the goal of bringing this case was to reveal the truth, regardless of the outcome,” he continued.
“Speaking the truth was something that I owed to my children and to all those who have remained steadfast in their support of me. I feel at peace knowing I have finally accomplished that.”
The actor added that “the jury gave me my life back. I am truly humbled.”
The verdict seemingly puts an end to the pair’s turbulent relationship and the nearly two-month-long trial.
Stay tuned for updates on what happens next.
If you or someone you know is a survivor of domestic abuse, please visit the resources found here.
