Amber Heard's Defamation Trial: A Timeline of Key Events
Johnny Depp Files Suit Against Amber Heard
Johnny Depp sued his ex-wife, Amber Heard, for defamation in 2019. The lawsuit stemmed from a 2018 op-ed written by Heard for The Washington Post, in which she described herself as "a public figure representing domestic abuse." Depp claimed that the op-ed defamed him and cost him millions of dollars in lost earnings.
The Trial Begins
The trial began in April 2022 in Fairfax County, Virginia. The jury heard testimony from both Depp and Heard, as well as from a number of witnesses. The trial lasted for six weeks and was closely watched by the media and the public.
The Verdict
The jury found in favor of Depp on all three counts of defamation. The jury awarded Depp $10.35 million in damages: $10 million in compensatory damages and $350,000 in punitive damages. Heard was also awarded $2 million in damages on one count of defamation.
The Aftermath
The verdict was a major victory for Depp, who had maintained his innocence throughout the trial. Heard has said she plans to appeal the verdict. The trial has also sparked a wider conversation about domestic violence and the challenges faced by victims.
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