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BREAKING Johnny Depp Loses Libel Case As Court Rules 'Wife Beater' Claims Were 'Substantially True'

Lucy Devine

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| Last updated 

BREAKING Johnny Depp Loses Libel Case As Court Rules 'Wife Beater' Claims Were 'Substantially True'

Featured Image Credit: PA

Johnny Depp has lost his libel case against The Sun.

Four months on from the court case between Depp and ex wife Amber Heard, Mr Justice Nicol has ruled in favour of News Group Newspapers (NGN) who publish the tabloid.

The actor, 57, was suing The Sun publisher News Group Newspapers after they called him a 'wife beater' (Credit: PA)
The actor, 57, was suing The Sun publisher News Group Newspapers after they called him a 'wife beater' (Credit: PA)

The court has refused to award damages to the actor, with the ruling reading: "The Claimant has not succeeded in his action for libel.

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"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...."

The actor has lost his case against NGN (Credit: PA)
The actor has lost his case against NGN (Credit: PA)

The actor, 57, was suing The Sun publisher News Group Newspapers over an article from two years ago which labelled the actor a "wife beater".

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The article - which was titled 'Gone Potty: How can JK Rowling be 'genuinely happy' casting wife beater Johnny Depp in the new Fantastic Beasts film?' - claimed it had "overwhelming evidence" that Depp had attacked Amber, something he strongly denies.

The ruling comes four months on from the three-week trial which took place back in July.

The ruling comes three months on from the three-week trial which took place back in July.
The ruling comes three months on from the three-week trial which took place back in July.

During the court case, evidence was heard from both Depp and Heard.

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Depp had to prove his reputation had suffered "serious harm" from the publication of the article, while NGN were required to prove what they had said about the actor was substantially true.

In a statement, Heard's lawyer said: "For those of us present for the London High Court trial, this decision and judgment are not a surprise.

"Very soon, we will be presenting even more voluminous evidence in the US. We are committed to obtaining justice for Amber Heard in the US Court and defending Ms Heard's right to free speech."

Heard's lawyer has spoken out (Credit: PA)
Heard's lawyer has spoken out (Credit: PA)
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In response to the news, Lisa King, domestic violence charity Refuge's director of communications and external relations said: "This is an important ruling and one which we hope sends a very powerful message: Every single survivor of domestic abuse should be listened to and should be heard.

"No survivor should ever have her voice silenced. A common tactic used by perpetrators of domestic abuse is to repeatedly tell victims that no one will believe them - and to use power and control to try and silence them. What we have seen today is that power, fame and financial resources cannot be used to silence women.

"That is a welcome message for survivors of domestic abuse around the world. We stand in solidarity with Amber Heard who has shown immense bravery in speaking up and speaking out.

"One in four women will experience domestic abuse at some point in their lifetime - it is the most pressing issue facing women and girls. Domestic abuse is a crime and it is vital that it is treated with the seriousness it deserves.

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"If you need support Refuge is here for you. We will believe you and you will be heard. You can call us free, 24 hours a day on 0808 2000 247, or visitwww.nationaldahelpline.org.uk. You are not alone."

Topics: johnny depp, News

Lucy Devine
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