Why Johnny Depp Was Not at the Verdict Reading

In this hot mess of a trial, it’s only fitting that the verdict reading has led to further spectacle. Today, the jurors in the Johnny Depp v. Amber Heard trial reach a final conclusion which ultimately ruled in Depp’s favor. But Depp himself was absent at the reading.

What Is the Outcome?

Johnny Depp and Amber Heard were married briefly, from 2015 to 2016. Following their split, Heard wrote an op-ed in the Washington Post in which she called herself a “public figure representing domestic abuse.” Following its publication, Depp alleged, his reputation was tarnished, resulting in extensive financial losses; he was seeking $50 million in damages. 

As antics from the trial have consumed American media, it seems everyone has an opinion. And today, the jurors revealed their own. The jury ruled in Depp’s favor on all three of his defamation claims, opting to award him $10 million in damages, plus $5 million in punitive damages.

However, since Virginia law limits punitive damages to $350,000, Depp could only win $10.35 million total. Additionally, the jury ruled that Depp defamed Heard in one of her three claims, resulting in a flat $2 million in damages to her.

That means that, all told, Depp is walking away with $8.35 million. For context, that’s far less than he would normally earn acting in a single Pirates of the Caribbean movie. Depp has made $300 million of the franchise in total.

Where Is Johnny Depp?

Although Amber Heard was present, Johnny Depp did not appear in court today due to “previously scheduled work commitments,” CNN reported, quoting an insider source who added that Depp “will be watching from the United Kingdom.”