In a landmark decision, a jury in Los Angeles has awarded actress Amber Heard $2 million in damages in her countersuit against her former husband, actor Johnny Depp. The jury found that one of Heard’s points was valid: that former Depp attorney Adam Waldman had defamed her when he told a tabloid that she and her friends created a hoax that included roughing up her apartment to look worse for police.
The jury found that Waldman’s statement was false and defamatory, and that it caused Heard to suffer significant emotional distress. The jury also found that Depp had failed to prove his claims that Heard had fabricated the domestic violence allegations against him.
Heard’s attorney, Eric George, said in a statement that the verdict “sends a clear message that abusive behavior and lies will not be tolerated.” He added that the verdict was a “vindication for Amber Heard, who has endured relentless and vicious attacks on her character for the past three years.”
Heard filed the countersuit against Depp in 2019, alleging that he had defamed her in the media and on social media. She sought $100 million in damages, but the jury awarded her only $2 million.
The verdict is a major victory for Heard, who has long been the target of online abuse and death threats from Depp’s fans. It is also a major setback for Depp, who has long denied Heard’s allegations of domestic violence.
The verdict is a reminder that false statements and defamation can have serious consequences. It is also a reminder that victims of domestic violence should not be afraid to speak out and seek justice.