Hollywood actor, Johnny Depp has released his first statement after winning his defamation suit against his ex-wife, Amber Heard. The two actors have been involved in a long trial, with Depp suing his former partner for $50 million over a 2018 op-ed she wrote in The Washington Post, But Heard counter-sued him for $100 million. On Wednesday, June 1, jurors ruled in favour of Depp and awarded him $10 million in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages. 
Following the verdict, the Pirates of the Caribbean actor praised his legal team and those who supported him throughout the trial. The statement read; “Six years ago, my life, the life of my children, the lives of those closest to me, and also, the lives of the people who for many, many years have supported and believed in me were forever changed. “All in the blink of an eye. “False, very serious, and criminal allegations were levied at me via the media, which triggered an endless barrage of hateful content, although no charges were ever brought against me. It had already traveled around the world twice within a nanosecond and it had a seismic impact on my life and my career. “And six years later, the jury gave me my life back. I am truly humbled. “My decision to pursue this case, knowing very well the height of the legal hurdles that I would be facing and the inevitable, worldwide spectacle into my life, was only made after considerable thought. “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. “I wish to acknowledge the noble work of the Judge, the jurors, the court staff and the Sheriffs who have sacrificed their own time to get to this point, and to my diligent and unwavering legal team who did an extraordinary job in helping me to share the truth. “The best is yet to come and a new chapter has finally begun. “Veritas numquam perit. “Truth never perishes.”
In total, the jury awarded $15 million to Depp as a part of the suit, $10 million in compensatory damages, and $5 million in punitive damages.The judge, however, reduced the $5million punitive damages he could receive to $350,000 because Virginia law caps punitive damages in these cases at $350k. Heard was also awarded $2 million in compensatory damages after a lengthy six-week trial. She however, now owes Johnny Depp $8,350,000. The post Johnny Depp releases first statement after winning case against Amber Heard appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.
