Johnny Depp has been awarded $15m (£12m) in damages after winning his defamation lawsuit against ex-wife Amber Heard.
The 58-year-old had sued the 36-year-old for a 2018 newspaper column in which she alleged that she had been the victim of domestic and sexual abuse, albeit not naming Depp directly.
Depp sought $50m in damages for what he described as "outlandish" claims, and in return she sued him back to the tune of $100m.
In an unedifying two-month trial that played out live on TV, multiple allegations were made by both parties - including the assertion that Depp sexually assaulted Heard with a bottle and that she had defecated in his bed.
After 13 hours of deliberation, the seven-person jury in the case has now found in favour of Depp, deciding that Heard's statements were "false" and that she had acted with "actual malice".
Depp's $15m in damages was countered somewhat by her being awarded $2m in damages as it was decided that Depp had also defamed her via his lawyer.
In a statement immediately after the verdict was delivered, 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."
Depp said in a statement: "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 love 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 return to innocent until proven guilty, both within the courts and in the media."
The couple were married for less than two years between 2015 and 2017.
Follow us on X/Twitter and like us on Facebook for the latest entertainment news alerts.
Media Mole April Offer: Get Sky Entertainment, Sky Stream & Netflix for just £23 a month + £0 upfront fee for 18 months!
Prices may change during this period. Ends 25th April 2024
