Johnny Depp relaxes at UK pub after Amber Heard lawsuit win

Actor was shown on social media shaking hands with well-wishers at bar in England

Johnny Depp greeted fans and relaxed with musician Sam Fender at a pub in Newcastle, north-east England, on Wednesday evening, moments after a jury returned a favourable verdict in his multimillion-dollar US lawsuit.

The Hollywood star shook hands with members of the public at The Bridge Tavern and later featured in Fender’s Instagram story alongside musician Jeff Beck.

One Twitter user (@DazWilliams) posted a video on Twitter, saying: “For anyone interested … Johnny Depp and Sam Fender just been seen in The Bridge Tavern pub on Newcastle Quayside.”

The video shows Depp waving and shaking hands with fans as he leaves the pub’s garden.

Taking a break from the courtroom drama in the US, Depp has joined Beck on his UK tour, appearing on stage to sing with him at various venues across the UK, including at the Royal Albert Hall in London on Monday and Tuesday.

The two are rumoured to be performing together again in Gateshead on Thursday night.

A jury in Fairfax County, Virginia, found that statements made by Depp’s former wife, actress Amber Heard, were defamatory.

He sued the Aquaman star for $50 million over her 2018 article in The Washington Post titled: “I spoke up against sexual violence — and faced our culture’s wrath … That has to change.”

Depp’s lawyers said the article, which did not mention him by name, falsely claimed that he was physically and sexually abusive while the two were together.

Amber Heard hugs her lawyer, Elaine Bredehoft, after the jury found her liable for defamation against her ex-husband, Johnny Depp on June 1, 2022. Pool / EPA

Johnny Depp's lawyers Camille Vasquez and Ben Chew arrive to give a statement to the media outside the Fairfax County Courthouse after the jury found Heard liable for defamation. AP

Fans of Depp react to the verdict outside the Fairfax County Circuit Courthouse. EPA

Supporters Depp and supporters of Heard stand outside the courthouse during the trial. EPA

Amber Heard said her sister, Whitney Henriquez, got into a physical altercation with Johnny Depp. AP

Heard described several instances where she alleged Depp physically abused her – some of her testimony turning extremely graphic. AFP

Travis McGivern, a security guard for Depp, detailed a number of volatile arguments between Depp and Heard. EPA

A fan of Johnny Depp waits outside the courthouse in Fairfax, Virginia. AFP

Depp fans cheer outside the courthouse. Reuters

Clinical and forensic psychologist Shannon Curry testifies on behalf of Depp, saying Heard suffers from borderline personality disorder and histrionic personality disorder. She made the diagnosis after reviewing her medical records and speaking with her over 12 hours. EPA

Forensic psychologist Dawn Hughes said Heard suffered from PTSD due to the violence she allegedly experienced at Depp's hand. AP

Depp denied ever having struck Heard but admitted he has struggled with alcohol and drug use. EPA

Heard became emotional when giving details of alleged past abuse. AFP

Christi Dembrowski, Depp's older sister, said Heard had been verbally abusive towards him. AFP

Raquel Pennington, a friend of Heard, becomes emotional as a picture of Heard is seen on screen as evidence of alleged abuse. EPA

Kate Moss, a former girlfriend of Depp, said he did not push her down the stairs. EPA

A 'Pirates of the Caribbean'-themed vehicle sits in front of the courthouse. EPA

Depp's lawyer Camille Vasquez grilled Heard when she took the stand, often interrupting her. AFP

Fans cheer as Depp arrives at the courthouse. Hundreds of people queued overnight just to nab a seat in the courtroom. AFP

After six weeks of evidence and about 13 hours of deliberation, the actor was awarded damages of $15m.

In a statement, Depp said he “feels at peace” and is “truly humbled” after winning the lawsuit.

He said his decision to pursue the case “was only made after considerable thought” and his goal was to “reveal the truth, regardless of the outcome”.

Depp also promised fans that “the best is yet to come and a new chapter has finally begun”.