Johnny Depp may not chase his ex-wife Amber Heard for the $10.35 million (AU $14.2 million, £8.2 million) payout following his defamation suit victory.
In court, the Pirates of the Caribbean actor proved a 2018 article written by Heard was defamatory.
He was awarded $15 million (AU $20.7 million, £12 million) by a jury, which was later capped at $10.35 million by Judge Penny Azcarate.
In a separate verdict, Heard was awarded $2 million (AU $2.7 million, £1.5 million) in damages in a counterclaim against her ex over defamatory comments made by his lawyer Adam Waldman, who referred to her abuse claims as a 'hoax'.
“He was over the moon ... I feel that finally after six years he's gotten his life back.”
— Good Morning America (@GMA) June 8, 2022
Johnny Depp’s lawyers Camille Vasquez and Ben Chew share the actor’s reaction to his legal victory in court against Amber Heard. https://t.co/kWY5S6eOU4 pic.twitter.com/9pe7ax2nSe
Depp's lawyer Ben Chew has now described the verdict as a 'total win for Johnny' regardless of the amount of money he was awarded by the court.
Chew was asked about the payout during an appearance on Good Morning America.
Host George Stephanopoulos pointed out that the payout could drain Heard's wealth, asking if there is a possibility of a 'settlement where [Heard] forgoes the appeal in return for Depp waving any monetary damages'.
Depp's lawyer then got tongues wagging.
Chew said that while he couldn't 'disclose attorney-client communications', Depp had said during the trial that it was 'never about money'.
"This was about restoring his reputation, and he’s done that," Chew said.
Chew also said that the Pirates of the Caribbean star was 'over the moon' when the verdict was read out in his favour.
"It was like the weight of the world had been taken off his shoulders," Chew said.
"And I feel that finally, after six years, he's gotten his life back."
Chew's comments mirrored Depp's statement following the verdict.
"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," Depp said in his statement.
"From the very beginning, the goal of bringing this case was to reveal the truth, regardless of the outcome."
Heard's team have said the Aquaman star will appeal her case.
In a TV interview with TODAY, presenter Savannah Guthrie asked Heard's lawyer Elaine Bredehoft if the star is able to pay the $10.35 million payout.
"Oh no, absolutely not," Bredehoft replied.
Bredehoft added that the outcome is a major setback for victims of domestic violence.
"It's a horrible message... this is a setback," Bredehoft said.
Featured Image Credit: Sipa US / Alamy Stock Photo. REUTERS / Alamy Stock Photo.
Topics: Johnny Depp, Crime, US News, News
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