Johnny Depp Wins Libel Vs. Amber Heard | How Much Will the Actress Pay Him?
Johnny Depp scores a big legal win against his ex-wife Amber heard after the jury on Wednesday awarded more damages to the actor.
According to CBS News, the jury found Amber Heard liable for defaming Johnny Depp in the 2018 op-ed she wrote for Washington Post. However, Depp was also found liable for defaming the actress, through a statement made by his legal counsel, calling her claims a "hoax."
The jury awarded Depp $10 million in compensatory damages and another $5 million in punitive damages, per a CNN news report. However, Judge Penney Azcarate pointed out on Wednesday that the state of Virginia caps the punitive damages at $350,000, making Depp's total award amounting to $10.35 million.
Meanwhile, Heard was awarded $2 million in compensatory damages and no money for punitive damages.
According to reports, the jury notified Judge Azcarate that they reached the verdict on Wednesday afternoon, but the reading of the decision was delayed so they could fill in the number of monetary awards on the jury form.
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Johnny Depp and Amber Heard React on the Verdict of their Defamation trial
Both camps on Wednesday expressed what they feel about the verdict vested by the jury.
Johnny Depp thanked the court and its staff for their effort. The actor also expressed his gratitude to his legal team for doing their job in helping him share the "truth," per EW.
"I feel at peace knowing I have finally accomplished that," Depp underscored. Depp went on to say that the goal of his defamation case from the beginning was to expose the truth which he owes to his children and to those who remained supporting him.
Depp's attorneys also expressed their gratitude to the jury.
"We are grateful, so grateful, to the jury for their careful deliberation, to the judge and the court staff who have devoted an enormous amount of time and resources towards this case," Attorney Camille Vasquez said.
Meanwhile, Amber Heard tweeted her statement following the verdict, claiming that she was beyond "disappointed and heartbroken that the evidence they have presented was "still not enough" to sway the power and influence of her ex-husband.
"I'm even more disappointed with what this verdict means for other women. It is a setback," Heard underscored. She went on to say that the verdict from the jury was a setback to the idea that violence against women "is to be taken seriously."
The "Aquaman" star then noted that she is sad to lose the case, but emphasized that she is sadder that she lost the rights she thought she had as an American.
David Shane, Heard's spokesman, said that the actress plans to appeal the verdict of the jury.
Amber Heard Net Worth: Options Available for the Actress in Paying Johnny Depp
Amber Heard's net worth is unclear, but reports claimed that she earned millions for her works in television and film such as "Aquaman." The actress also received a $7 million settlement from Depp after their divorce in 2016, which she promised to donate to American Civil Liberties Union, but has not been fulfilled as of date.
Reports claimed that Heard's career was affected amid her legal battle with Depp.
Attorney Sandra Spurgeon told CBS MoneyWatch that there are several methods for Heard to settle her payment with Depp.
One is appealing to the judge about the verdict in hopes to reduce the payment.
Legal experts also claimed that her current and future wages can be garnished. She can also file for bankruptcy so that the $10 million would be eliminated. However, Spurgeon noted that she still has to pay the $350,000.
The legal expert also noted that Johnny Depp could decide not to execute the judgement and waive the monetary damages awarded to him.
This article is owned by Latin Post.
Written By: Joshua Summers
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