The legal battle between Amber heard and Johnny Dep is finally over. Following the couple’s divorce following a tumultuous marriage, Heard had come out with claims that she had been a victim of domestic violence, allegations that heavily affected Depp’s career. Arguing that he was not only innocent, but had been abused by Heard, Depp had sued Heard for defamation, seeking $50 million in damages. Heard opposed $100 million, insisting the allegations were true. The six-week trial was televised and received significant media coverage.
In the end, the jury ruled in favor of Depp, agreeing with his claim that he had been slandered by untrue allegations. The actor received $15 million, which was later reduced to $10.35 million due to Virginia law. Heard was held liable for all three defamation claims, though Depp was also ordered to pay $2 million for one of the three claims in Heard’s countersuit. This was based on comments Depp’s previous attorney, Adam Waldman, had made about Heard.
The legal battle was not over after the verdict, as Heard appealed the verdict. In response, Depp appealed the $2 million verdict. On Monday, however, Heard announced Instagram that the lawsuit has been settled. Terms of the settlement were not disclosed in Heard’s statement, though Heard continues to insist she was factual with her claims. The Aquarius star also makes it clear that she has not received any form of gag order and that she will be free to tell her story in the future.
“After much deliberation, I have made a very difficult decision to settle the defamation lawsuit brought against me by my ex-husband in Virginia,” the statement read in part. “It is important for me to say that I never chose this. I defended my truth and in doing so my life as I knew it was destroyed. The slander I have faced on social media is an amplified version of the way women are treated again.-victimized when they come forward.Now I finally have a chance to emancipate myself from something I tried to leave more than six years ago on terms I can agree to.I have no confession This is not an act of concession. There are no restrictions or jokes regarding my voice moving forward.” Heard notes that he simply cannot go through another trial, even if her appeal for a new trial is granted , “I am making this decision because I have lost faith in the American justice system, where my unprotected testimony served as entertainment and fodder for social media… In the settlement In this case, I also choose the freedom to dedicate my time to the work that helped me heal after my divorce; work that exists in realms where I feel seen, heard and heard. believed, and in what I know I can effect change.”
Johnny Depp’s team has responded
Johnny Depp’s legal team also released a statement regarding the settlement, per Variety. In the joint statement, Benjamin Chew and Camille Vasquez celebrate the news, noting that it may “close the door” on the long-running legal battle. They also reveal that as part of the settlement, Heard agreed to pay Depp $1 million through her insurance company. Depp plans to “actually” donate the money to charities, Chew and Vasquez add.
“We are pleased to formally close the door on Mr. Depp, who made it clear throughout this process that his priority was to expose the truth,” the statement read. Mr. Depp’s favor to Ms. Heard remains in full force. The payment of $1 million – which Mr. Depp pledges and will (actually) donate to charitable causes – reinforces Ms. Heard’s acknowledgment of the conclusion of the justice system’s rigorous pursuit of justice.”