Amber Heard Has Announced That She’s Made The “Very Difficult To Decision” To Settle The Johnny Depp Defamation Case
About two weeks ago, Amber Heard’s lawyers announced that they filed an appeal against a Virginia jury’s decision that she defamed Johnny Depp in her Washington Post op-ed piece about being a victim of domestic violence even though she never named him. If Amber won her appeal, then that would’ve opened up the doors to HELL again a new trial where a Virginia courtroom would once again be the setting for a disastrous landfill fire. Well, today, Amber announced that she’s decided she doesn’t want to put herself through the pain of another trial, so she’s dropped her appeal and settled with her ex so she can finally move on with her life. And you may want to put a clothespin on your nose today because hot stank fumes are definitely wafting off of Johnny Depp as he does another victory lap.
Back in June, a jury unanimously sided with Johnny Depp in his defamation case against Johnny Depp, after weeks of a trial that was so messy that FEMA should’ve declared it a disaster zone. The jury awarded Johnny Johnny $10 million in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages (but Virginia law caps the amount of punitive damages at $350,000). Amber countersued, and the jury did side with her on one count, awarding her $2 million in compensatory damages. Johnny has already appealed that decision. And as I mentioned above, Amber filed an appeal last month, but that’s not happening anymore.
In her statement, Amber admitted that she’s gone broke from defending herself as she’s faced threats and abuse on social media over speaking her truth. Amber added that she’s choosing to spend her time healing rather than relive that long international nightmare for the third time. (The first trial was Johnny’s lawsuit against The Sun for calling him a “wife beater,” which he lost.) Amber also said that this settlement is not an admission of guilt or her way of raising the white flag. Amber is simply fucking tired and wants to finally close the door on that terrible and shitty (in more ways than one) chapter of her life.
TMZ says that Amber has agreed to settle with Johnny for $1 million. But the money is not coming from Amber herself. Her insurance company will cover it. Johnny’s lawyers released this statement about the settlement:
“We are pleased to formally close the door on this painful chapter for Mr. Depp, who made clear throughout this process his intent to bring the truth to light. This was never about the money. The jury’s unanimous decision and the judgment in his favor against Ms. Heard remain fully in place, and the payment of $1M reinforces her acknowledgment of the legal system’s rigorous pursuit for justice.”
Johnny apparently has plans to donate the $1 million settlement to charity. No word if the charity is HIM since he’s reportedly broke too.
Since Johnny’s side said they were “pleased to formally close the door on this painful chapter,” does that mean he’s dropping his appeal too and will finally, finally, FINALLY, move on? Probably not, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he filed yet another lawsuit against Amber for her Instagram statement. And as he does that, one of his lawyers will call their realtor to say, “Go ahead and offer full price on that second vacation home I’ve been eying.”
Pic: Cliff Owen – CNP/DPA/Cover Images