Johnny Depp Amber Heard trial - live: Pirates actor loses legal battle against Sun

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Johnny Depp loses libel case against The Sun over ‘wife beater’ article

Johnny Depp has lost his libel battle against the publisher of The Sun over an article which claimed he was a “wife beater”.

The Pirates of the Caribbean star sued the tabloid's publisher News Group Newspapers (NGN) and its executive editor Dan Wootton over the 2018 article, which alleged he was violent to ex-wife Amber Heard during their relationship.

In the column, Mr Wootton asked how Harry Potter author JK Rowling could be "genuinely happy" after Mr Depp was cast in the latest film of the Fantastic Beasts spin-off series.

Key Points

• Depp loses libel battle against The Sun publisher
• Ruling will be appealed, lawyers for Depp say

[2 November 2020 09:57 · Tom Embury-Dennis]

The ruling of Johnny Depp’s libel battle against the publisher of The Sun over an article which claimed he was a “wife beater” is set to be announced this morning. 

[2 November 2020 10:03 · Tom Embury-Dennis]

The biggest English libel trial of the 21st century garnered worldwide attention as it unfolded over three weeks in July at the Royal Courts of Justice in London.

Johnny Depp, 57, will find out the outcome of his case as trial judge Mr Justice Nicol delivers his long-awaited ruling any moment now.

The judgment will be delivered remotely and it is not known if any of the parties will attend court.

Mr Depp and Amber Heard, 34, attended the 16-day trial, which featured days of high drama, claims of brutal violence and sensational revelations about their tempestuous relationship.

The court heard evidence from both stars, along with friends and relatives of the couple, and several former and current employees.

PA

[2 November 2020 10:06 · Tom Embury-Dennis]

BREAKING: BBC reporter Nick Wallis reports Johnny Depp has lost his libel claim against the publisher of The Sun.

[2 November 2020 10:07 · Tom Embury-Dennis]

The Sun’s legal director, Adam Cannon, also announces “we won!”. 

[2 November 2020 10:08 · Tom Embury-Dennis]

Johnny Depp loses libel battle against The Sun publisher

Johnny Depp has lost his libel battle against the publisher of The Sun newspaper over an article which claimed he was a “wife beater”.

The Pirates of the Caribbean star sought to sue the tabloid's publisher News Group Newspapers (NGN) and its executive editor Dan Wootton over the 2018 article, which alleged he was violent to ex-wife Amber Heard during their relationship.  

In the column, Mr Wootton asked how Harry Potter author JK Rowling could be “genuinely happy” after Mr Depp was cast in the latest film of the Fantastic Beasts spin-off series.  

[2 November 2020 10:14 · Tom Embury-Dennis]

Judge finds ‘great majority’ of allegations of assault on Amber Heard by Johnny Depp proven

The judge has said the “great majority” of allegations of assault on Amber Heard by Johnny Depp have been proven to the standard required in civil court. 

[2 November 2020 10:24 · Tom Embury-Dennis]

The Sun, in an article announcing its victory, has hailed a “stunning victory for press freedom”. 

“Depp’s loss leaves his reputation in tatters, with his glittering silver screen career facing ruin,” the newspaper says. 

In a statement, a spokesperson said: "The Sun has stood up and campaigned for the victims of domestic abuse for over twenty years.

“Domestic abuse victims must never be silenced and we thank the Judge for his careful consideration and thank Amber Heard for her courage in giving evidence to the court.”

[2 November 2020 10:28 · Tom Embury-Dennis]

Questions are already being asked about Johnny Depp’s ability to continue starring in high-profile projects such as the Fantastic Beasts move series. 

[2 November 2020 10:29 · Tom Embury-Dennis]

A lawyer acting for Amber Heard has said of the ruling: “This decision and judgement are not a surprise.”

[2 November 2020 10:40 · Tom Embury-Dennis]

Here is an online copy of the final judgement handed down by Mr Justice Nicol. 

In his conclusion, he says: "The Claimant has not succeeded in his action for libel. Although he has proved the necessary elements of his cause of action in libel, the Defendants have shown that what they published in the meaning which I have held the words to bear was substantially true. 

"I have reached these conclusions having examined in detail the 14 incidents on which the Defendants rely as well as the overarching considerations which the Claimant submitted I should take into account. In those circumstances, Parliament has said that a defendant has a complete defence. 

“It has not been necessary to consider the fairness of the article or the defendants' 'malice' because those are immaterial to the statutory defence of truth. The parties will have an opportunity to make submissions in writing as to the precise terms of the order which should follow my decision.”