'Truth never perishes': Johnny Depp wins defamation suit against Amber Heard

Depp sued Heard for $50 million over the piece, titled: “I spoke up against sexual violence — and faced our culture’s wrath. That has to change.”

Jurors reach verdict in Johnny Depp US defamation lawsuit (Steve Helber/AP)

Johnny Depp has won his multi-million dollar defamation lawsuit against former wife Amber Heard.

Mr Depp was awarded compensatory damages of $10m and $5m in punitive damages. Judge Penney Azcarate, who is overseeing the case, lowered the punitive damages to $350,000 in accordance with Virginia law.

Mr Depp, who was not in court for the ruling, has said "the jury gave me my life back" and is "truly humbled."

"Six years ago, my life, the life of my children, the lives of those closest to me, and also, the lives of the people, who for many many years have supported and believed in me were forever changed. All in the blink of an eye," he said in a statement.

"False, very serious and criminal allegations were levied at me via the media, which triggered an endless barrage of hateful content, although no charges were ever brought against me. It had already traveled around the world twice within a nanosecond and it had a seismic impact on my life and my career.

"My decision to pursue this case, knowing very well the height of the legal hurdles that I would be facing and the inevitable, worldwide spectacle into my life, was only made after considerable thought.

From the very beginning, the goal of bringing this case was to reveal the truth, regardless of the outcome. 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, I am, and have been, overwhelmed by the outpouring of lore and the colossal support and kindness from around the world. 

"I hope that my quest to have the truth be told will have helped others, men or women, who have found themselves in my situation, and that those supporting them never give up. I also hope that the position will now réturn to innocent until proven guilty, both within the courts and in the media.

The best is yet to come and a new chapter has finally begun. Veritas numquam perit. Truth never perishes.

In this screen grab from video, Amber Heard, center, and her lawyers Elaine Bredehoft, right, and Ben Rottenborn, left, react as the verdict is read in the courtroom. (Court TV, via AP, Pool)

Ms Heard, who was sitting between members of her legal team at the front of the court room, looked downcast as the ruling was read out by the judge.

In a statement following the jury's verdict, Ms Heard said the disappointment she feels today "is beyond words." 

"I'm heartbroken that the mountain of evidence still was not enough to stand up to the disproportionate power, influence, and sway of my ex-husband.

"I'm even more disappointed with what this verdict means for other women. It is a setback. It sets back the clock to a time when a woman who spoke up and spoke out could be publicly shamed and humiliated. It sets back the idea that violence against women is to be taken seriouslv.

"I believe Johnny's attorneys succeeded in getting the jury to overlook the key issue of Freedom of Speech and ignore evidence that was so conclusive that we won in the UK.

I'm sad I lost this case. But I am sadder still that I seem to have lost a right I thought I had as an American - to speak freely and openly.

Mr Depp sued the Aquaman star for $50 million over the piece, titled: “I spoke up against sexual violence — and faced our culture’s wrath. That has to change.”

The article does not mention Mr Depp by name, yet his lawyers said it falsely implies he physically and sexually abused Ms Heard while they were together.

Following six weeks of evidence and roughly 13 hours of deliberation, jurors have reached their decision.

Following six weeks of evidence and roughly 13 hours of deliberation jurors have reached a decision in the matter which is due to be read out at 8pm UK time (Craig Hudson/AP)

The actor has consistently denied the “outrageous, outlandish” claims of abuse and said he had “spoken up for what I have been carrying on my back reluctantly for six years” during his own evidence during the trial.

Once among Hollywood's biggest stars, Depp said Heard's allegations cost him "everything." A new "Pirates" movie was put on hold and Depp was replaced in the "Fantastic Beasts" film franchise, a "Harry Potter" spinoff.

Depp lost a libel case less than two years ago against the Sun, a British tabloid that labeled him a "wife-beater." A London High Court judge ruled that he had repeatedly assaulted Heard.

During closing remarks, both sides urged jurors to think about other victims of domestic abuse.

Ms Heard’s legal team highlighted the message that a verdict in Mr Depp’s favour would send to others, while the actor’s representatives said her claims were “an act of profound cruelty to true survivors”.