The top 30 celebrity stories of 2022: The year in review

After a gruelling months-long trial, Depp walked free from the courtroom, with Heard owing him US$10.35 million (approx $15.5 million) in compensatory damages and $US5 million ($7 million) in punitive damages.

“The jury gave me my life back. I am truly humbled,” Depp said in a statement following the trial’s conclusion.

Heard was awarded US$2 million (approx. $3 million) in damages, after a jury found that Depp had defamed her during the trial process.

On the day, Heard delivered a heartbreaking statement.

“The disappointment I feel today is beyond words,” she said.

“I’m heartbroken that the mountain of evidence still was not enough to stand up to the disproportionate power, influence, and sway of my ex-husband.”