Former Pirates of the Caribbean actor, Johnny Depp, has won the defamation suit against his ex-wife, Aquaman actress, Amber Heard, over damages caused by her 2018 The Washington Post opinion-editorial essay.
A jury had found that Heard did not have substantial evidence to prove her allegations against Depp, after she used the essay to indirectly accuse him of abuse during their 2016 divorce, referring to herself as a ‘public figure representing domestic abuse’.
Based on a report by NBC News, the jury also found that Heard knew her allegations were false when she had the essay published and acted with actual malice.
Depp has since been awarded US$10 million (RM43,930,000.00) in compensatory damages and US$350,000 (RM1,537,550.00) in punitive damages, giving him a total of US$10.4 million (RM45,687,200.00).
Taking to his social media pages, Depp shared, “From the very beginning, the goal of bringing this case was to reveal the truth, regardless of the outcome.”
“I am, and have been, overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and the colossal support and kindness from around the world,” he wrote.
“I hope that my quest to have the truth be told will help others, men or women, who have found themselves in my position, and that those supporting them never give up.”
Heard had also previously countersued 3 statements made by Depp former attorney, which described Heard’s allegations as a ‘hoax’.
Depp, through his former attorney, was then found guilty of 1 count of defamation, awarding Heard US$2 million (RM8,786,000.00) in compensatory damages.
Meanwhile in a post on her social media pages, Heard said, “The disappointment I feel 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 seriously,” she added.
What do you think about the verdict? Let us know in the comment section.
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