Johnny Depp, Amber Heard react to explosive court ruling

Johnny Depp and Amber Heard have both issued emotional statements after the jury reached a verdict in their explosive court showdown.

Johnny Depp and Amber Heard have both released statements in the wake of the bombshell decision in their defamation trial, which saw a jury rule in the Pirates of the Caribbean’s favour.

The defamation trial, which began on April 11, saw both parties level explosive accusations against each other as they testified about their tumultuous relationship.

Heard was sued by Depp for $US50 million ($A67 million) over a Washington Post op-ed she wrote in 2018 which implied he abused her.

Although she did not name him, he claimed her allegations were false and cost him lucrative movie roles. Heard countersued for $US100 million ($A134 million), claiming she suffered “rampant physical violence and abuse” at her ex-husband’s hands.

On Wednesday, local time, the panel in Virginia ruled in Depp’s favour, stating that Heard had “acted with actual malice”, and awarded him US$10 million (A$14 million) in defamation compensatory damages and US$5 million in punitive damages.

However, Fairfax County Circuit Court Judge Penney Azcarate reduced the punitive damages the jury awarded Depp to US$350,000 (A$487,000), the state’s statutory cap, making his total damages US$10.4 million (A$14.49 million).

The jury did agree with one aspect of Heard’s claim – that she was defamed by Depp’s lawyer when he called her abuse allegations a hoax – and awarded her US$2 million (A$2.78 million) in compensation and $0 in punitive fees.

Heard, along with her lawyer, were in court for the ruling.

Amber Heard’s statement

Shortly after the verdict was announced, Heard released a statement, claiming she was “heartbroken”.

“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,” she said.

“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. I believe Johnny’s attorneys succeeded in getting the jury to overlook the key issue of Freedom of Speech and ignore evidence that was so conclusive that we won in the UK. I’m sad I lost this case. But I am sadder still that I seem to have lost a right I thought I had as an American – to speak freely and openly.”

Johnny Depp’s statement

Depp was spotted hanging out at The Bridge Tavern in Newcastle, UK, hours before the Depp v Heard trial verdict. Picture: angie jenkinson/Facebook

Depp at the pub with musician friend Jeff Beck. Picture: sam fender/Instagram

Depp also released a statement in the wake of his court victory - although Depp himself was not present in court to read it.

Instead, he was spotted on social media hours before the verdict at a pub in Newcastle, UK.

“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,” he said.

“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 travelled 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.

Johnny Depp’s lawyer Camille Vasquez reads his statement outside court. (Photo by Nicholas Kamm / AFP)

“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 uo.

“I also hope that the position will now return to innocent until proven guilty, both within the courts and in the media.

Amber Heard departs the Fairfax County Courthouse. Picture: Win McNamee/Getty Images

“I wish to acknowledge the noble work of the Judge, the jurors, the court staff and the Sherriffs 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 share the truth.

“The best is yet to come and a new chapter has finally begun. Veritas numquam perit (truth never perishes).”

While Heard was present, Depp – who brought this defamation lawsuit against his former wife – was not in court when the decision was read.

He had a previously scheduled work commitment in the UK, where he was spotted over the weekend performing with his band, the Hollywood Vampires.