Johnny Depp and Amber Heard. Image Source: Vanity Fair
The verdict of the defamation trial between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard was announced on Wednesday where Johnny Depp won on all three defamation counts as the jury felt that he was able to prove that the op-ed written by Amber Heard back in 2018 defamed him and his reputation. Amber Heard did win on one of the three defamation counts which mentioned that the statements made by Adam Waldman who was Johnny Depp's former attorney defamed her.
Both the actors released a statement on their respective social media where Johnny Depp stated that he is very grateful to the jury who gave him his life back and mentioned that he is looking forward to a brighter and better future as he sets out to begin a new chapter in his life. He mentioned that his aim was always to get the truth out and he was finally able to speak up and tell the world the truth.
Amber Heard expressed her disappointment and mentioned that the verdict is a setback for women who speak up against domestic abuse and violence. The actress added that even though she had a mountain of evidence presented in the court, Johnny Depp's team was able to pursue the jury into not believing them.
Sources close to Johnny Depp mentioned to ET that Johnny Depp is feeling really good and positive after the verdict, and he mostly believes that things are on the upswing for him. The actor, whose goal was always to tell the truth and clear his name, is very ecstatic that he was finally able to do what he had set out to do in the first place. Johnny Depp, who is currently on tour with Jeff Beck, is looking forward to what the future holds for him personally and professionally, and somewhere feels like he's got his career back. It was recently reported that the actor had already been roped in for BeteeleJuice 2.
Johnny Depp, who, after wrapping up his case, traveled to the United Kingdom to perform with Jeff Beck, has worked on an album that is going to be out in July. It was also reported by People that a former Disney executive that post-verdict Disney could try to reach out Johnny Depp in the hopes to hire him back as Captain Jack Sparrow. The executive added that there is simply too much potential box-office gold for a popular Disney character deeply ingrained in the society. Nothing has been confirmed yet.
As for Amber Heard, the sources said that she is very heartbroken and upset about the verdict and is trying to lay low and take care of herself and her baby. Whitney Henriquez has been by Amber Heard’s side since the announcement of the verdict and is a strong support system for her. The actress is all set to appear in upcoming 'Aquaman 2' as Mera, although a lot of her scenes had been reduced from the final cut and she is said to appear only for 10 minutes in the movie.
Elaine Bredehoft, Amber Heard’s attorney said on Today and CBS Morning shows that the actress is planning to appeal against the verdict and she has great grounds for that appeal. Elaine Bredehoft stated that Amber Heard believes she has betrayed all of the ladies and is "very disappointed" with the judgment in Johnny Depp's favor. The lawyer also claimed that the judge should not have permitted cameras to follow Amber Heard inside the courthouse and have the entire case aired since she was subjected to a great deal of public scrutiny on social media as a result. She also added that Johnny Depp's celebrity status is what pursued the jurors to overlook the evidence they provided and revealed that a lot of evidence that was submitted in the U.K. trial was not allowed at Fairfax County Court, Virginia.
