The Johnny Depp vs. Amber Heard saga was surely among the most high-profile celebrity lawsuit trials that the masses have witnessed. The livestream of the courtroom proceedings fetched millions of views almost every day as admirers of both stars declared their unconditional support on social media.
The defamation trial spanned over seven weeks, having commenced on April 11, 2022, at the Fairfax County Courthouse in Virginia. On June 1, 2022, at 3 PM (EST), the jury announced their verdict unanimously favoring Johnny Depp. He was further awarded $15 million in damages (compensatory and punitive). However, Amber Heard will only have to pay $10.35 million due to a Virginia state law capping the punitive damages.
Heard was found liable for defaming the 58-year-old actor on all three counts alleged by the latter's legal team. However, in the defamation countersuit, the jury sided with the Aquaman actress on one out of three claims, and subsequently, she was awarded $2 million in compensatory damages.
What did "Veritas Numquam Perit" mean in Johnny Depp's post-verdict statement
Many users on social media hailed Johnny Depp's unanimous victory in the defamation lawsuit, including the Pirates of the Caribbean star himself, as he penned a heartfelt statement afterward. The statement talked about his hardships over the last six years and his gratitude for the global support and the jury's verdict.
However, that was the last phrase, "Veritas Numquam Perit," in Depp's official statement, which caught the attention of many fans.
"The best is yet to come and a new chapter has finally begun. Veritas numquam perit. Truth never perishes."
'Veritas Numquam Perit' is a famous Latin phrase said to have originated from ancient Roman philosopher and dramatist Lucius Annaeus Seneca the Younger. The essence of the words is "Truth never perishes," as mentioned by Depp in the statement.
"Veritas Numquam Perit" or "Truth never perishes" was most probably written by Johnny Depp to summarize his statement. It was perhaps meant to show his acknowledgment of the fact that despite suffering media trials and false allegations, the world was able to know his side of the truth.
Here's an excerpt from the Fantastic Beasts actor's official statement:
"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."
Readers can also look at the official statement in the image above.
Fans' reactions to "Veritas Numquam Perit"
Here's how social media users, primarily fans of Johnny Depp, reacted to his use of the phrase "Veritas Numquam Perit":
After the jurors gave the verdict, Amber Heard also released her official statement, which showcased her displeasure at the decision.
Since the trial has now culminated, it will be interesting to see how both actors move on with their personal and professional lives.