Johnny Depp and Amber Heard have settled their acrimonious defamation case, they said Monday, with the actress agreeing to pay her former husband $1 million. The settlement comes after a three-week trial in which a jury awarded Depp $10.35 million in damages and Heard $2 million.
The trial was the culmination of a years-long legal battle between the former couple, who were married for 15 months before their divorce in 2017. Depp had sued Heard for defamation, claiming she had falsely accused him of domestic violence in a 2018 Washington Post article.
Heard had denied the accusations and argued that Depp had been abusive during their marriage. The jury found in favor of Depp, awarding him $10.35 million in damages and Heard $2 million.
Under the terms of the settlement, Heard will pay Depp $1 million. The money will be donated to two charities of Depp’s choice.
The settlement ends the legal battle between the two, but it is unclear if the case will have any lasting effects on either of their careers. Depp, who has starred in a number of blockbuster films, has been dropped from the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise and replaced in the Fantastic Beasts franchise. Heard, meanwhile, has been vocal about her experience and has been an advocate for victims of domestic violence.
No matter the outcome, the case has been a long and difficult journey for both Depp and Heard. After years of legal wrangling, the two have finally reached a resolution and can now move on with their lives.