On Wednesday, June 1, 2022, a seven-person jury announced their final verdict in the defamation case between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard. After a lengthy trial, the jury found in favor of Depp on three counts of defamation and awarded him $15 million in damages. The jury also found that Depp, through his lawyer Adam Waldman, defamed Heard on one of three counts in her countersuit; she was awarded $2 million.
The case began in 2019 when Depp sued Heard for defamation over an op-ed she wrote for The Washington Post in which she described herself as a survivor of domestic abuse. Depp denied the allegations and countersued Heard for defamation. The trial began in April 2021 and featured testimony from both Depp and Heard, as well as witnesses, emails, and other evidence.
The jury heard arguments from both sides and ultimately decided that Depp had been defamed on three counts. They found that Heard had falsely accused Depp of physical and emotional abuse, and that she had acted with malice and reckless disregard for the truth. The jury also found that Depp had been defamed on one count in his countersuit against Heard.
The jury’s verdict is a major victory for Depp, who has been fighting to clear his name since Heard’s accusations first surfaced. The $15 million award is one of the largest defamation awards in U.S. history. It is also a significant blow to Heard, who has been accused of lying about her allegations against Depp.
The verdict in the Depp-Heard case is a reminder of the power of the legal system to bring justice to those who have been wronged. It is also a reminder of the importance of truth and accuracy in public discourse. No matter what one’s opinion of either party may be, the jury’s decision serves as a reminder that the truth must always be sought and respected.