The Johnny Depp Vs Amber Heard trial has finally come to an end after six weeks.
The jury deliberating the duelling defamation claims of Johnny Depp and ex-wife Amber Heard reached its verdict Wednesday, ruling in favour of Depp, who claimed Heard defamed him when she referred to herself as a survivor of domestic violence in a 2018 article.
The jury determined that Heard acted with actual malice when writing her op-ed. The jury awarded Depp $10 million in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages in his defamation suit.
They also ruled in favour of Amber and awarded $ 2 million in damages in her libel countersuit.
In a statement in reaction to the judgement, Johnny Depp said he was humbled and that the "jury gave me my life back". He added that he was now at peace.
"From the very beginning, the goal of bringing this case was to reveal the truth, regardless of the outcome," Depp said in the statement. "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."
In response to the verdict, Amber Heard released a statement and said she was 'disappointed' and 'heartbroken' at the decision. "I am sad I lost this case," she said.
She said that she was heartbroken to know that the mountain of evidence wasn't enough to stand up to the disproportionate power, influence and sway of her ex-husband. She called it a huge setback for other women.
According to Law and Crime Channel's report, a huge crowd had gathered outside the courthouse, cheering every time a decision went in Johnny's favour and was streamed on the screen outside.