Why Did Johnny Depp and Amber Heard Sue Each Other For Defamation?

Depp sued Heard for defamation, alleging the claims made in her op-ed were false

and that he was the one being abused throughout their marriage.

He sued for $50 million in damages. Later, Heard filed a defamation countersuit for $100 million,

claiming statements Depp's lawyer Adam Waldman made about her abuse claims being a "hoax" ruined her career.

Her lawyers cited her diminished role in "Aquaman 2" and a decrease in other film opportunities throughout the trial.

On June 1, a Virginia jury returned a verdict finding Heard liable for defamation on all three of the statements made about Depp in her op-ed

awarding Depp $10 million in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages

since Virginia law caps punitive damages at $350,000, the punitive damages were lowered accordingly

Depp was found liable for defamation for one out of three of Waldman's statements