NATIONAL: DEPP V HEARD FINALLY CONCLUDED: JURY COMES BACK WITH VERDICT

Johnny Depp has been awarded $15 million in his defamation case against ex-wife Amber Heard.

The jury’s verdict, which found both parties liable, was reached and announced Wednesday in a Virginia court after the panel spent three days deliberating over six weeks of grueling, emotional and highly contradictory testimony.

Depp was awarded $10 million in compensatory damages and $5 million dollars in punitive damages, while the jury awarded Heard $2 million in compensatory damages and nothing in punitive damages. Depp had sought $50 million in damages with Heard countersuing for $100 million.

Heard was present in the courtroom for the verdict while Depp watched on TV from the U.K., where he had traveled after testimony ended Friday to perform with legendary rocker Jeff Beck, for a show in Sheffield and two at Royal Albert Hall in London.

Heard watched with little emotional response, solemnly looking down throughout the judge’s reading of the verdict.

“The disappointment I feel today is beyond words,” Heard said in a statement. “I’m heartbroken that the mountain of evidence still was not enough to stand up to the disproportionate power, influence, and sway of my ex-husband. FULL STORY HERE