Johnny Depp vs Amber Heard verdict is in

The jury has concluded their deliberations and reached a verdict in the Johnny Depp vs Amber Heard trial.

The trial has been the center of the social media world for several weeks now. Depp has claimed that Heard damaged his reputation unjustly in order to win a higher payout in their divorce settlement. Depp was shunned in Hollywood because of the allegations made by Heard against him including spousal abuse. Heard countersued claiming her reputation was damaged in the process.

Public sentiment has largely been in favor of Depp but spousal abuse groups are using the trial as an example of how difficult it is for those who have been abused to come forward. The trial has also brought attention to men who suffer physical and mental abuse from women.

Just before 2 p.m. local time the jury announced they had reached a verdict and the court was called into session. Judge Penney Azcarate read their findings and ordered the jury back into deliberations to assign damages to their findings.

Here is what the jury found:

Depp prevailed on every aspect of the WashPo online edition accusations made by Heard regarding sexual abuse and that the information was false, that Heard acted with malice and provided the information. Compensatory damages were awarded to Depp in the amount of $10 million and an additional $5 million was awarded in punitive damages.

On Heard’s case against Depp, the jury found in favor of Depp on almost every count but did find Depp had defamed Heard. Heard was awarded $2 million in compensatory damages with no punitive damages awarded.

Judge Azcarate ruled that Depp’s $5 million punitive damages would be reduced to the maximum allowed $350,000.

Depp was not in the courtroom. Heard sat quietly and looked sad while the verdict was read.

Both parties, Heard and Depp have the right to appeal the findings of the jury.