The legal battle between Amber Heard and Johnny Depp is finally over. Following the pair’s split after a tumultuous marriage, Heard had gone public with claims that she’d been the victim of domestic abuse, 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 countersued for $100 million, insisting that the allegations were true. The six-week trial was televised and had gotten immense coverage in the media.
Ultimately, the jury ruled in Depp’s favor, agreeing with his assertion that he’d been defamed by untrue allegations. The actor was awarded $15 million, which was later reduced to $10.35 million due to Virginia law. Heard was found liable for all three defamation claims, though Depp was also ordered to pay $2 million for one of three claims in Heard’s countersuit. This was based on comments Depp’s previous attorney, Adam Waldman, had made about Heard.
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The legal battle wasn’t over following the verdict, as Heard appealed the verdict. In response, Depp appealed the $2 million judgment. However, on Monday, Heard announced on Instagram that the suit has been settled. The terms of the settlement were not disclosed in Heard’s statement, though Heard continues to insist that she was factual with her claims. The Aquaman star also makes it clear that she hasn’t been given any kind of a gag order in place and she will have the freedom to tell her story in the future.
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Johnny Depp’s Team Has Responded
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Johnny Depp’s legal team has also released a statement addressing the settlement, per Variety. In the joint statement, Benjamin Chew and Camille Vasquez celebrate the news, noting that this is able to “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 this painful chapter for Mr. Depp, who made clear throughout this process that his priority was about bringing the truth to light,” the statement reads. “The jury’s unanimous decision and the resulting judgment in Mr. Depp’s favor against Ms. Heard remain fully in place. The payment of $1 million – which Mr. Depp is pledging and will (actually) donate to charities – reinforces Ms. Heard’s acknowledgment of the conclusion of the legal system’s rigorous pursuit for justice.”
