Amber Heard must pay Johnny Depp $10.35m, judge officially rules

Amber Heard must officially pay Johnny Depp $10.35m (£8.43m) for damaging his reputation after the judge in their defamation trial filed a written order.

On Friday, Judge Penney Azcarate made the jury’s award official by entering a judgment order into the court record after a brief hearing in Virginia.

She has also ordered Depp to pay Heard $2m (£1.62m) – the jury’s award on the actress’ counterclaim that she was defamed by one of her ex-husband’s lawyers.

The order was a formality after the jury announced its verdict earlier this month, largely siding with Depp.

Depp sued Heard over a December 2018 article for The Washington Post, in which she described herself as a “public figure representing domestic abuse”.

The jury ruled in Depp’s favour on all three of his claims relating to specific statements in the piece and found he should receive $10m (£8.14m) in compensatory damages.

They also ruled he should be handed $5m (£1.22m) in punitive damages, but this was reduced by the judge to $350,000 (£285,000).

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During the sensational televised trial, the couple revealed lurid details of their short marriage, which made headlines across the world.

Heard has said she plans to appeal against the verdict.

Judge Azcarate explained that if Heard does appeal, she must post a bond for the full $10.35m while the appeal is pending.

Her order also details that both awards are subject to 6% interest per year.