Johnny Depp, the 58-year-old actor, was recently found not guilty in his libel case against The Sun newspaper. After the verdict, Depp said in a statement that he felt like he’d been given his “life back” and that the “best is yet to come” for him. A source close to Depp told PEOPLE that he’s “happy” and “relieved” after the verdict.
The case, which began in July 2020, centered around an article published by The Sun in 2018 that labeled Depp a “wife beater.” Depp denied the allegations and sued the newspaper for libel. During the trial, Depp’s ex-wife, Amber Heard, testified against him and provided evidence that she said supported her claims of abuse.
However, the judge ultimately ruled in Depp’s favor, stating that The Sun had not proven its case. The judge also said that there was “no credible evidence” to support Heard’s claims.
Depp’s lawyer, David Sherborne, said in a statement that the verdict was a “vindication” for his client. He added that the case had been “a long and hard fight” for Depp, and that he was “pleased and relieved” by the outcome.
Heard has said that she plans to appeal the verdict. However, for now, Depp is clearly happy with the outcome and is looking forward to the future. He said in his statement that he is grateful for the support he has received throughout the case and that he is looking forward to “the best is yet to come.”