{O/C} {Welcome back}
Over to America, where actors Johnny Depp and Amber Heard both compensated for allegations against each other.
This closes the book on a running battle that has apparently sullied the reputations of both actors.
{Take SOT}
Actor Johnny Depp sued his ex-wife Amber Heard for detracting from his reputation in a 2018 Washington Post article.
In it, she alleged she had been subjected to domestic violence.
Today, a seven-member Virginia jury delivered an unvarnished verdict.
{Soundbite} Do you find that Mr. Depp has proven all the elements of defamation? Answer: Yes.
{VO}
Given Virginia state law limits punitive damages to 350,000 dollars, the actual amount to be awarded Depp is 10.35 million in both compensatory and punitive damages.
But Heard fought fire with fire by lodging a countersuit against a lawyer for Depp who accused her of leading the police up the garden path with a dishevelled place.
She was only awarded 2 million in the end.
Depp struck a humble tone upon learning of the news.
{Upsound 01:03 - 01:04}
With his lawyers celebrating, he wrote from Britain, "the jury gave me my life back", saying he hoped this hard-fought success for him would help others trapped in the same situation.
But provided the jury resoundingly on Depp's side for all the evidence, a heartbroken Heard portrayed the legal setback as an ignominious defeat for females who speak out.
The ostensibly libel trial capped testimony that thrust sexual abuse in the spotlight. The former couple both accused each other of being the abuser.
When all is said and done, whether their tarnished reputations are still redeemable remains a lingering question.
Some experts say the Rubicon has already been crossed, but this lawyer begged to differ.
{Soundbite}
BRENT WARD, Attorney:
I think that Johnny Depp took numerous steps to enhance his believability. He came forward and admitted his drug use, admitted his alcohol use, admitted that he was a difficult person.
{VO}
The six-week trial trial engrossed audiences who were riveted by gavel-to-gavel coverage as well as the actors' mannerisms and sartorial choices.
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