Jury finds largely for Johnny Depp in Amber Heard defamation trial

On 1 June 2022, a jury in Fairfax County, Virginia, delivered its verdict in the defamation case brought by actor Johnny Depp against his former wife, Amber Heard. The trial lasted about six weeks and was broadcast live, drawing huge public attention and a flood of social media commentary.

Depp sued over a 2018 opinion article Heard wrote in The Washington Post, in which she described herself as a public figure representing domestic abuse. Although the article did not name him, Depp argued it damaged his reputation and career. Heard countersued over statements made by his lawyer.

The jury found largely in Depp's favour, concluding that Heard had defamed him, and awarded him millions of dollars in damages. It also found in Heard's favour on one counterclaim, with a far smaller award. The judge later reduced the punitive damages to the state's legal cap.

The verdict was seen as a turning point for Depp, who had lost roles after earlier allegations and a separate 2020 UK libel ruling. It paved the way for his return to film work, including later projects such as his Scrooge role.