Johnny Depp verdict - live: Actor tells fans he’s ‘still in shock’ about win in Amber Heard trial
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Johnny Depp emerged the victor in his defamation case against ex-wife Amber Heard following three days of deliberations by the jury, which also handed Heard a partial win in her countersuit.
Depp sued Heard for $50m for implying he abused her in a 2018Washington Post op-ed. Although she didn’t name him, he claims her allegations impacted his ability to work. She pursued a $100m counterclaim.
The jury found that Heard defamed Depp on all three counts and awarded him $10m in compensatory damages and $5m in punitive damages (capped at $350,000). Heard was awarded $2m in compensatory damages, but no punitive damages.
On Wednesday, the “humbled” actor thanked the jury for giving him his life back and said a new chapter was now beginning for him after six years. Currently playing gigs on a UK tour with Jeff Beck, the actor told fans he was “still in shock”.
In a statement, Heard expressed “disappointment beyond words” and said she was heartbroken, claiming the verdict was a “setback” for women.; She has decided to appeal the verdict and is “unable to pay” the damages.
Key points
Heard says court ruling undermines ‘rights as an American’ and is a ‘setback’ for women
Amber Heard lawyer says ‘enormous amount of evidence was suppressed’
Amber Heard ‘unable to pay’ the millions in damages to Depp
What are Amber Heard’s options to appeal Johnny Depp verdict?
Watch: Depp’s legal team celebrate after trial win
06:00 , Oliver O'Connell
Donald Trump Jr calls Depp ‘first man to win an argument with a woman’
04:00 , Oliver O'Connell
Donald Trump Jr. has praised Johnny Depp as the “first man to win an argument with a woman” after the Pirates of the Caribbean actor was awarded $10.35m in damages in his high-profile defamation case against ex-wife Amber Heard.
The eldest son of former president Donald Trump posted a meme on his Instagram page on Friday showing a photo of Mr Depp with his clenched fist held up in the air.
Rachel Sharp reports:
Donald Trump Jr calls Johnny Depp ‘first man to win an argument with a woman’
Sam Fender’s Johnny Depp pub selfie was a serious misstep
02:00 , Oliver O'Connell
Sam Fender posted a selfie with Johnny Depp mere seconds after the verdict in his trial against ex-wife Amber Heard was announced.
Leonie Cooper reports why this move was a serious misstep in Fender’s career.
Sam Fender’s Johnny Depp pub selfie was a serious misstep
Kyle Rittenhouse: Depp win over Heard ‘fueling’ his plan to sue media for defamation
Sunday 5 June 2022 00:30 , Oliver O'Connell
Kyle Rittenhouse says Johnny Depp’s victory over Amber Heard in court is “fueling” his own plans to file defamation suits.
In August 2020, Mr Rittenhouse fatally shot two men and injured a third in Kenosha, Wisconsin, during the unrest following the police shooting of Jacob Blake.
He was acquitted in November 2021 of five charges, including first-degree homicide.
Mr Rittenhouse and his mother, Wendy Rittenhouse, have accused a number of individuals and media outlets of “defaming” him.
Kyle Rittenhouse says Johnny Depp win ‘fueling’ own defamation suit plans
Heard lawyer says ‘enormous amount of evidence was suppressed’ in trial
Saturday 4 June 2022 23:00 , Oliver O'Connell
A lawyer representing Amber Heard in her defamation trial against Johnny Depp has spoken out following the verdict to say that “an enormous amount of evidence was suppressed” during the weeks-long trial.
Attorney Elaine Bredehoft appeared on The Today Show on Thursday morning, hours after a jury determined Ms Heard defamed Mr Depp on all three counts in his lawsuit against her regarding a 2018 op-ed she wrote in the Washington Post about being a victim of domestic abuse.
The jury also found in favour of one of three claims in Ms Heard’s countersuit, determining that Mr Depp’s lawyer had called her abuse allegations against her ex-husband a hoax.
Megan Sheets reports:
Amber Heard lawyer says ‘enormous amount of evidence suppressed’ in Johnny Depp trial
How much do Depp and Amber Heard owe each other?
Saturday 4 June 2022 21:30 , Oliver O'Connell
Johnny Depp has prevailed in his $50m (£40m) defamation lawsuit against his ex-wife Amber Heard over accusations of domestic abuse.
A seven-person civil jury in Virginia found that Ms Heard defamed the Pirates of the Caribbean and Fantastic Beasts star when she implied he abused her in a 2018 op-ed for The Washington Post.
The jury also upheld one of Ms Heard’s three claims in a $100m countersuit against Mr Depp and his lawyer, who had called her original allegations in 2016 an “ambush” and “a hoax”.
Neither side got the full amount they wanted.
Io Dodds reports:
How much do Johnny Depp and Amber Heard owe each other?
Washington Post adds editor’s note to Amber Heard’s 2018 op-ed
Saturday 4 June 2022 19:00 , Oliver O'Connell
Following the verdict in the dueling defamation suits filed by Amber Heard and Johnny Depp, the op-ed at the centre of his claim against her has been amended.
The Washington Post has added an editor’s note to the article bylined by Ms Heard and originally published in both print and online on 18 December 2018.
Washington Post adds editor’s note to Amber Heard op-ed after Johnny Depp verdict
Will Johnny Depp return to Pirates franchise after winning defamation trial?
Saturday 4 June 2022 17:30 , Oliver O'Connell
In late 2019, it was announced that Disney would be moving forward in developing a script for a Pirates of the Caribbean reboot.
At the time, it hadn’t formally been announced whether Johnny Depp would be attached to the new project.
Here’s what we know about the future of the franchise:
Will Johnny Depp return to Pirates franchise after winning defamation trial?
What are Amber Heard’s options to appeal Johnny Depp verdict
Saturday 4 June 2022 16:08 , Oliver O'Connell
Ms Heard’s attorney Elaine Bredehoft has said her client will appeal the verdict, which largely favoured Mr Depp. The Independent’s Clémence Michallon speaks to three attorneys about Ms Heard’s potential avenues.
What attorneys say about Amber Heard’s options to appeal Johnny Depp verdict
Each count the Depp-Heard jurors considered
Saturday 4 June 2022 15:00 , Oliver O'Connell
As a public figure, Johnny Depp faced a high bar to win his libel lawsuit against his ex-wife Amber Heard. According to seven unanimous jurors, he cleared it.
Depp’s victory was not absolute, though. Jurors also concluded that part of Heard’s counterclaim had merits.
Here is a look at each count jurors considered:
EXPLAINER: Each count the Depp-Heard jurors considered
Unlikely cult celebrities of Johnny Depp v Amber Heard
Saturday 4 June 2022 14:00 , Oliver O'Connell
Fans of the estranged couple exhaustively documented the plaintiff and defendant’s every move and mannerism in court, their attorneys’ arguments, the judge’s interventions and a wealth of colourful witness testimony on TikTok, Instagram and Twitter, carving up what might have amounted to dry legal proceedings into a spectator sport.
All of which has raised disapproving eyebrows in some quarters, with concerns expressed that the real issue at the heart of the case, domestic violence, was lost in what has become a bad taste viral soap opera.
While those criticisms are more than valid, there is no question that the trial provided an extraordinary spectacle and a cast of unforgettable supporting characters who found themselves unlikely cult celebrities.
Unlikely cult celebrities of Johnny Depp v Amber Heard, from lawyers to alpacas
Depp hired lawyer as consultant for trial after seeing her in Making a Murderer
Saturday 4 June 2022 12:00 , Oliver O'Connell
An attorney says Johnny Depp hired her as a legal consultant for his defamation trial against Amber Heard after seeing her in the series Making a Murderer.
Kathleen Zellner, an American lawyer who was featured in the Netflix show, spoke to Law & Crime after a verdict was announced in the case on Wednesday (1 June).
Ms Zellner said Mr Depp called her and left a voicemail at her office at the end of December. She said Mr Depp told her he had seen her in Making a Murderer say that she “would be the last person someone would hire if they were guilty, because you would find out about it.”
“I was struck that that’s what motivated him to contact me,” Ms Zellner added.
Clémence Michallon reports:
Lawyer says Depp hired her as consultant after seeing her in Making a Murderer
Jeff Beck and Depp to release album
Saturday 4 June 2022 10:00 , Oliver O'Connell
Johnny Depp will release a new album with Jeff Beck next month.
The actor made his latest appearance alongside Beck at the Sage concert hall in Gateshead on Thursday night (2 June).
During their performance, per the BBC, Beck announced Depp’s next career move.
Jeff Beck announces Johnny Depp’s next career move during Gateshead gig
Depp jokes about severed finger with child
Saturday 4 June 2022 08:00 , Oliver O'Connell
Johnny Depp has joked about his severed finger with crowds outside his gig on Thursday night (2 June).
The actor made his latest appearance alongside Jeff Beck at the Sage concert hall in Gateshead on Thursday night (2 June). During the gig, it was revealed that Depp will be releasing an album with Beck next month.
In photos from the evening, Depp can be seen surrounded by fans outside of the venue.
Read more:
Johnny Depp jokes about severed finger with child outside Jeff Beck gig
Watch: Johnny Depp wins defamation trial as Amber Heard awarded one counterclaim
Saturday 4 June 2022 06:07 , Oliver O'Connell
Voices: The verdict isn’t surprising. What I saw in the courtroom sickened me
Saturday 4 June 2022 04:30 , Oliver O'Connell
Clémence Michallon writes:
I reported on this trial over the course of seven weeks. It took over my professional life, and many of my personal conversations. It was a difficult, often grim assignment.
Through it all, the cruelty of those who mocked Heard never ceased to amaze me.
Depp-Heard trial verdict isn’t surprising. What I saw in the courtroom sickened me
How much do Depp and Amber Heard owe each other?
Saturday 4 June 2022 03:30 , Oliver O'Connell
Johnny Depp has prevailed in his $50m (£40m) defamation lawsuit against his ex-wife Amber Heard over accusations of domestic abuse.
A seven-person civil jury in Virginia found that Ms Heard defamed the Pirates of the Caribbean and Fantastic Beasts star when she implied he abused her in a 2018 op-ed for The Washington Post.
The jury also upheld one of Ms Heard’s three claims in a $100m countersuit against Mr Depp and his lawyer, who had called her original allegations in 2016 an “ambush” and “a hoax”.
Neither side got the full amount they wanted.
Io Dodds reports:
How much do Johnny Depp and Amber Heard owe each other?
Amber Heard should appeal ‘inconsistent’ Johnny Depp verdict, says Lisa Bloom
Saturday 4 June 2022 02:30 , Oliver O'Connell
Attorney Lisa Bloom believes we have not seen the end of the Johnny Depp v Amber Heard trial, and that the case will be decided on appeal.
Ms Bloom, whose clients have included Janice Dickinson (in her allegations against Bill Cosby), actor Mischa Barton (in a revenge porn lawsuit), and Harvey Weinstein (for whom Ms Bloom was an early advisor before resigning) spoke to BBC Newsnight following the verdict in the defamation case.
Clémence Michallon reports:
Attorney Lisa Bloom says Amber Heard should appeal ‘inconsistent’ Johnny Depp verdict
Depp and Heard face uphill battle to rebuild images
Saturday 4 June 2022 01:30 , Oliver O'Connell
After an explosive six-week libel trial followed by millions on social media and live TV, Johnny Depp and Amber Heard each face an uphill battle: trying to rebuild their images and careers.
Depp already has a head start, with a jury verdict Wednesday largely favoring his narrative, that his ex-wife defamed him by accusing him of abusing her.
“Depp has a hill to climb. Heard has a mountain to climb,” said Eric Dezenhall, a crisis mitigator in Washington with no involvement in the case.
Johnny Depp and Amber Heard: Uphill battle to rebuild images
Psychiatrist who testified for Amber Heard reveals ‘horrific backlash’
Saturday 4 June 2022 00:30 , Oliver O'Connell
Dr David Spiegel, a psychiatrist called to testify in court by Amber Heard at her defamation trial, has written about the “horrific backlash” he experienced after appearing in the witness box.
Having testified that Johnny Depp has exhibited behaviours that are “consistent” with someone who is a “perpetrator of intimate partner violence”, Dr Spiegel also acknowledged in cross-examination that he had not met the actor, but had reviewed court documents and depositions to reach his conclusions.
He said that Mr Depp showed many signs of impairment from excessive use of drugs and alcohol, pointing to his use of an earpiece for lines during filming and admitting that he did a move “entirely wasted”.
Fans of the actor were quick to express their fury at Dr Spiegel and he has now recounted his experience in Newsweek in an op-ed titled: “I Testified in the Heard vs. Depp Trial. The Backlash Has Been Horrific.”
Psychiatrist who testified for Amber Heard pens op-ed about ‘horrific backlash’
Dolph Lundgren shares view on Aquaman co-star
Friday 3 June 2022 23:45 , Oliver O'Connell
Dolph Lundgren has shared his view on Amber Heard after working with her on the Aquaman films.
The action movie star appeared opposite Heard in the DC franchise, the first film of which was released in 2018. A sequel has been filmed and will be released in 2023.
Read more:
Dolph Lundgren shares view on Aquaman co-star Amber Heard as trial verdict arrives
Will Johnny Depp return to Pirates franchise after winning defamation trial?
Friday 3 June 2022 23:00 , Oliver O'Connell
In late 2019, it was announced that Disney would be moving forward in developing a script for a Pirates of the Caribbean reboot.
At the time, it hadn’t formally been announced whether Johnny Depp would be attached to the new project.
Here’s what we know about the future of the franchise:
Will Johnny Depp return to Pirates franchise after winning defamation trial?
Aquaman 2 petition reaches 4.5 million signature target
Friday 3 June 2022 22:30 , Oliver O'Connell
A petition to remove Amber Heard from Aquaman 2 has officially reached its target of 4.5 million signatures, the day after a jury found in favour of Johnny Depp in the former couple’s defamation trial.
The DC sequel – in which Heard stars as Aquaman’s love interest Mera – concluded shooting earlier this year, with director James Wan confirming the film had wrapped in January.
Read more:
Amber Heard Aquaman 2 petition reaches 4.5 million signature target
Trial wristbands on sale for £4,000 on eBay
Friday 3 June 2022 22:00 , Oliver O'Connell
Some spectators who attended the defamation trial between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard in Fairfax County, Virginia are now selling their paper wristbands online.
Sheriffs at the Fairfax County courthouse distributed wristbands as a crowd control measure at the highly publicised trial, which attracted a large number of vocal Depp fans in particular.
Several people who were admitted to the courthouse are now selling those disposable, colour-coded paper wristbands – stamped with their date of entry – on auction websites like eBay for as much as $5,000 (£4,000).
Amanda Whiting reports:
Depp-Heard trial wristbands on sale for £4,000 on eBay
Amber Heard should appeal ‘inconsistent’ Johnny Depp verdict, says Lisa Bloom
Friday 3 June 2022 21:30 , Oliver O'Connell
Attorney Lisa Bloom believes we have not seen the end of the Johnny Depp v Amber Heard trial, and that the case will be decided on appeal.
Ms Bloom, whose clients have included Janice Dickinson (in her allegations against Bill Cosby), actor Mischa Barton (in a revenge porn lawsuit), and Harvey Weinstein (for whom Ms Bloom was an early advisor before resigning) spoke to BBC Newsnight following the verdict in the defamation case.
Clémence Michallon reports:
Attorney Lisa Bloom says Amber Heard should appeal ‘inconsistent’ Johnny Depp verdict
What are Amber Heard’s options to appeal Johnny Depp verdict
Friday 3 June 2022 21:15 , Oliver O'Connell
Ms Heard’s attorney Elaine Bredehoft has said her client will appeal the verdict, which largely favoured Mr Depp. The Independent’s Clémence Michallon speaks to three attorneys about Ms Heard’s potential avenues.
What attorneys say about Amber Heard’s options to appeal Johnny Depp verdict
Voices: Depp and Heard won’t hear your view of the trial verdict – but the silent victims will
Friday 3 June 2022 21:00 , Oliver O'Connell
Jess Phillips writes:
Abused women are watching while all this goes on. They are learning that their silence is the safest option.
Depp and Heard won’t hear your opinions – but abuse victims will | Jess Phillips
Heard ‘unable to pay’ the millions in damages
Friday 3 June 2022 20:30 , Oliver O'Connell
Amber Heard’s lawyer says that her client will be unable to pay the millions in damages she must hand over to Johnny Depp after a jury determined she defamed her ex-husband in the weeks-long trial.
Speaking one day after the verdict was delivered, attorney Elaine Bredehoft told Savannah Guthri while appearing on NBC’s The Today Show that her client is “absolutely not” able to pay the $8.35m in damages that the Pirates of the Caribbean actor won after a jury deliberated for three days following the closely followed, and widely panned, trial.
Johanna Chisholm reports:
Heard ‘unable to pay’ the millions in damages to Johnny Depp in defamation trial
Donald Trump Jr calls Depp ‘first man to win an argument with a woman’
Friday 3 June 2022 20:20 , Oliver O'Connell
Donald Trump Jr. has praised Johnny Depp as the “first man to win an argument with a woman” after the Pirates of the Caribbean actor was awarded $10.35m in damages in his high-profile defamation case against ex-wife Amber Heard.
The eldest son of former president Donald Trump posted a meme on his Instagram page on Friday showing a photo of Mr Depp with his clenched fist held up in the air.
Rachel Sharp reports:
Donald Trump Jr calls Johnny Depp ‘first man to win an argument with a woman’
Sam Fender’s Johnny Depp pub selfie was a serious misstep
Friday 3 June 2022 20:00 , Oliver O'Connell
Sam Fender posted a selfie with Johnny Depp mere seconds after the verdict in his trial against ex-wife Amber Heard was announced.
Leonie Cooper reports why this move was a serious misstep in Fender’s career.
