Johnny wins Amber’s defamation case 

The court ruled in favor of Johnny, Amber was ordered to pay $15 million in damages

On June 1, the highly publicized libel trial between Johnny and Amber ended with a verdict in Johnny’s favor. The jury determined that Amber’s allegations against her ex-husband were not substantiated, and she was ordered to pay $15 million in compensatory damages, including $10 million in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages. Because Virginia state law stipulates damages at $350,000, Amber only had to pay Johnny $10.35 million.

Jury verdict

The jury unanimously concluded that Amber, 36, had failed to prove her allegations of abuse against Johnny. They determined that her 2018 post in The Washington Post, in which she implied she was a victim of domestic violence, was written in bad faith. As a result, Amber was ordered to pay $10 million in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages. However, due to legal limits, the total amount was reduced to $10.35 million.

On the other hand, the jury found that Johnny, through his former lawyer Adam Waldman, also defamed Amber. As a result, Johnny was ordered to pay Amber $2 million in damages.

Johnny’s reaction: “The truth has been revealed”

After the verdict, Johnny expressed relief and gratitude for the jury’s decision. “From the beginning, my goal has been to reveal the truth, regardless of the outcome. Telling the truth is something I owe to my children and all those who have steadfastly supported me. I feel at peace knowing I have achieved that,” Johnny said. He added, “The jury gave me my life back, and I am truly grateful.”

Johnny, who lost a similar libel case in the UK in 2020, was emotional about the outcome, emphasizing the impact the trial had on his life, career, and reputation. He concluded: “No one is perfect. I have my flaws, but I never committed the abuse I am accused of. Despite everything, I stood up and told the truth.”

Amber’s disappointment: “Women’s failure”

In a statement after the verdict, Amber expressed deep disappointment. “The disappointment I feel today cannot be expressed in words. I am heartbroken that the mountain of evidence is still not enough to counter the disproportionate power, influence, and domination of my ex-husband,” she said. Amber went on to express concern about the broader implications of the ruling: “I am even more disappointed with what this ruling means for other women. It’s a step backwards. The clock turned back to a time when a woman who spoke out could be publicly humiliated and silenced.”

Amber also criticized the jury’s decision, saying it ignored key free speech issues. She emphasized that she had previously won a libel case against Johnny in the UK. “I’m very sad that I lost this case. But I’m even sadder that I seem to have lost the right I thought I had as an American — to speak freely and openly.”

A challenge that shocked the world

The six-week trial attracted widespread media attention. Over the course of 22 days of trial, the jury heard more than 100 hours of testimony, revealing intimate details about the couple’s tumultuous relationship. Witnesses on both sides gave conflicting accounts of events, creating a complicated picture for the jury to navigate.

The case stems from Amber’s 2018 article in which she described herself as a survivor of domestic abuse. Although Johnny was not named, the actor said that the article seriously damaged his reputation and career, leading to him being blacklisted in Hollywood. Johnny filed a $50 million lawsuit against Amber, but she countered with a $100 million counter-suit, also claiming defamation.

A complex web of accusations

During the trial, Amber accused Johnny of sexual assault in addition to domestic violence. However, multiple witnesses, including medical professionals, security officers, and neighbors, testified in support of Johnny, claiming they never saw any signs of abuse on Amber. In contrast, Amber’s sister, Whitney Henriquez, was the only witness to Johnny’s assault on Amber.

Although Amber admitted to hitting Johnny, she confirmed that it was in self-defense and protecting her sister. Her testimony failed to sway the jury, who ultimately sided with Johnny on most counts.

When the trial ended, Johnny and his legal team expressed satisfaction with the outcome. “We are honored to help ensure that Johnny’s case is considered fairly throughout the trial,” said Johnny’s attorneys. “We are pleased that the verdict resonated with so many people who value truth and justice.” They added that it is time for both sides to move on and look to the future.

For Johnny, the verdict represents a significant victory in his efforts to regain his reputation and rebuild his career. For Amber, however, the decision marks a personal and legal defeat, one that she believes could have far-reaching consequences for victims of abuse.