Johnny Depp wins defamation case but jurors also find that Depp defamed Amber Heard

Actor Johnny Depp has won his defamation case against ex-wife Amber Heard, who he sued over claims of domestic abuse but jurors also found that Depp defamed Heard. The jury has awarded Depp US$10m in compensatory damages and US$5m in punitive damages. The jury found that Heard's statements about her marriage were "false" and she acted with "actual malice".

[Photo:BBC]

Depp wins his libel case over the article in which his ex-wife said she was a victim of abuse.

But jurors also found that Depp defamed Heard - through his attorney - and awarded her US$2m.

In a statement, Heard says she is heartbroken and the disappointment she feels today is beyond words.

58 year old Depp had sued his ex-wife for US$50m for an article she wrote in which she claimed to be a victim of domestic abuse while 36 year old Heard counter-sued for US$100m, saying he smeared her by calling her a liar.

The jury began their deliberations late last week following the high-profile six-week trial. The case garnered intense public interest as both actors lobbed accusations of abuse at each other.

Source:BBC