Johnny Depp issued a statement from Newcastle, saying he had been 'given his life back,' as the verdict on his high profile case with ex Amber Heard came in.
The defamation case has dominated headlines across the world over the past week and, just after 7pm GMT it was announced that the jury in a courtroom in Fairfax, Virginia had reached a decision. As that sparked a media frenzy , Johnny was enjoying some down time, heading to The Bridge Tavern on the Quayside, where he was joined by Sam Fender.
The verdict, which ruled in Johnny's favour, eventually came in not long after 8pm, after Johnny had left the pub to great excitement from drinkers who had no idea he was there. The outcome of the case saw Johnny being awarded $10m (£8m) in compensatory damages and $5m in punitive damages.
READ MORE : Johnny Depp spotted in Newcastle as Amber Heard verdict comes in
The Pirates of the Caribbean actor, who is believed to have watched the verdict come in from his hotel room, was swift to put out a statement, in which he spoke of a fraught six years, due to the allegations made against him by Amber and declaring "truth never perishes."
Johnny Depp statement on Amber Heard verdict in full
'Six years ago, my life, the life of my children, the lives of those closest to me, and also, the lives of the people who for many, many years have supported and believed in me were forever changed. All in the blink of an eye.
'False, very serious and criminal allegations were levied at me via the media, which triggered an endless barrage of hateful content, although no charges were ever brought against me. It had already traveled around the world twice within a nanosecond and it had a seismic impact on my life and my career.
'And six years later, the jury gave me my life back. I am truly humbled.
'My decision to pursue this case, knowing very well the height of the legal hurdles that I would be facing and the inevitable, worldwide spectacle into my life, was only made after considerable thought.
'From the very beginning, the goal of bringing this case was to reveal the truth, regardless of the outcome. Speaking the truth was something that I owed to my children and to all those who have remained steadfast in their support of me. I feel at peace knowing I have finally accomplished that.
'I am, and have been, overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and the colossal support and kindness from around the world. I hope that my quest to have the truth be told will have helped others, men or women, who have found themselves in my situation, and that those supporting them never give up. I also hope that the position will now return to innocent until proven guilty, both within the courts and in the media.
'I wish to acknowledge the noble work of the Judge, the jurors, the court staff and the Sheriffs who have sacrificed their own time to get to this point, and to my diligent and unwavering legal team who did an extraordinary job in helping me to share the truth.
The best is yet to come and a new chapter has finally begun. Veritas numquam perit. Truth never perishes.'
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