Between April 11th and June 1st, the world tuned into the Amber Heard vs. Johnny Depp defamation lawsuit as they saw two former lovers accuse each other of abuse and harassment. Heard ultimately lost the lawsuit and was ordered to pay Depp $15 million – though Depp owed $2 million from a counterclaim.
Losing the lawsuit didn’t sit well with her, who initially intended to appeal the decision – her lawyers going as far as saying she ‘absolutely’ will appeal. “I’m sad that I lost this case, but I am sadder still that I seem to have lost a right I thought I had as an American – to speak openly and freely,” she said at the time.
Now, nearly seven months after the verdict was read by the jury, Amber Heard is changing her mind. In a lengthy statement posted to Instagram on Monday, Heard announced her ‘difficult decision’ to settle the lawsuit after ‘a great deal of deliberation.’ It’s not what she wants to do, but what she feels she has to do.
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In the post, she explains how she ‘defended her truth,’ but ended up destroying her life as a result. She alluded to the ‘vilification’ she receives on social media before adding “I have made no admission, this is not an act of concession. There are no restrictions or gags with respect to my voice moving forward.”
She appears to have lost faith in the legal system in the United States and is disappointed that her ‘unprotected testimony’ has been used as entertainment and ‘social media fodder.’ She feels her team had sufficient evidence against her ex-husband, but was set in front of an unjust and unfair system.
“In settling this case I’m also choosing the freedom to dedicate my time to the work that helped me heal after my divorce; work that exists in realms in which I feel seen, heard and believed and in which I know I can effect change,” she continued, adding that she won’t be ‘threatened, disheartened, or dissuaded.’
She went on to thank the many people that helped her throughout the legal proceedings and the many others that showed their support. “I cannot find enough words to tell you the hope your belief in me inspires. Not just for me, but for all of you. Thank you. See you soon,” she concluded in the post.
Amber Heard Settles for $1 Million
It’s being reported that the settlement Amber Heard reached with Johnny Depp was for $1 million. Since the verdict was read, Depp has vowed to donate the $1 million payout to charity. Considering she was initially ordered to pay $15 million – which was later reduced to $10.35 million due to a Virginia law.
Depp’s legal team expressed how ‘pleased’ they are “to formally close the door on this painful chapter for Mr. Depp, who made clear throughout this process that his priority was about bringing the truth to light.” They hope the $1 million payout can go towards something positive and uplifting moving forward.
“Part of the point of appealing it was both the financial reasons [and] to ensure there wasn’t a judgment in place against her – that has significant ramifications. He has always said he wasn’t looking to destroy her. He said it wasn’t about money, and it’s not! He just wanted the truth,” said Depp’s representatives.
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As for Amber Heard, she’s going to shift her focus towards the next chapter of her life. She welcomed a daughter in early-April 2021 via surrogacy and will be celebrating her second birthday in 2023. It’ll be interesting to see how Heard goes about repairing her career.