From dating rumors to marriage news and from cheating scandals to celebrities making dangerous remarks, 2022 was filled with ups and downs in the entertainment industry.
- Dec 24, 2022
AceShowbiz - Johnny Depp and Amber Heard's defamation trial is also one of the most talked-about things this year. Back in 2019, the "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" actor sued his ex-wife in a $50 million lawsuit for defamation over her op-ed for the Washington Post in which she spoke about the treatment of women in domestic abuse cases. In January 2022, Amber countersued Depp for $100 million.
The 7-week libel trial began on April 11 in Fairfax, Virgina. While taking the stand on October 20, Johnny called Amber the real abuser in their relationship and detailed how she severed his finger with a vodka bottle during a fight. As for Amber, she talked about being physically abused by Johnny during the trial. In June, jurors reached their verdict as they found both Johnny and Amber liable for defamation against each other. They awarded Johnny with $10 million in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages, which were reduced to $350,000 due to a limit imposed by Virginia state law, while Amber was awarded $2 million in damages from Johnny.
In response, Amber's lawyers filed an appeal in Virginia requesting that the defamation lawsuit against her be reversed, or a new trial to be granted. Earlier this month, Amber announced on Instagram that she had decided to settle Johnny's defamation case against her by agreeing to pay him $1 million.
