Depp Win 'Was Never About Money' As Lawyer Stokes Speculation Amber Heard Won't Be Made To Pay

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.

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'.

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.

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."

"From the very beginning, the goal of bringing this case was to reveal the truth, regardless of the outcome."

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.