Surprise in the United States over the outcome of the high-profile defamation trial between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard.

A jury has found Heard defamed Depp by claiming she was abused him, and has found she acted with actual malice, awarding Depp $23.1 million (NZD) in damages.

But it's also found Heard was defamed awarding her $3 million in damages.

Celebrity lawyer Christopher Melcher told Mike Hosking he didn't expect the jury to rule in favour of both parties.

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