people
Johnny Depp vs. Amber Heard: “My goal is the truth”
Johnny Depp accuses his ex-wife Heard of making false statements in a 2018 op-ed about domestic violence published by the Washington Post. Photo: Jim Watson/AFP Pool/dpa
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Johnny Depp and ex-wife Amber Heard have already had a mud fight in court. After Depp’s lawsuit in London against the British “Sun”, a defamation lawsuit is now underway in the USA.
Sharp allegations and soft words: Johnny Depp (58) spent three hours answering questions from his lawyers in the Fairfax District Court in the US state of Virginia.
In his first testimony on Tuesday, the “Pirates of the Caribbean” star talks about a difficult childhood and drugs, about his career and also about fond memories of “Miss Heard”. Depp, in a dark gray suit, his hair tied back in a ponytail, speaks in a calm, thoughtful voice.
Actress Amber Heard (35), in a light tie blouse, listens almost motionless to her ex-husband’s statement from a few meters away. Six years ago, Heard spread “disgusting” and “completely shocking” untruths about him, Depp begins his statement. The actor admits that there was a dispute in their relationship. “But I never got to the point of hitting Miss Heard in any way, nor have I ever hit a woman in my life,” Depp said under oath.
War of the Roses has been raging for years
In his civil lawsuit, he accuses Heard of making false statements in a 2018 commentary on domestic violence published by the Washington Post. This would have damaged his reputation. Depp is demanding around 50 million dollars (equivalent to a good 45 million euros) in damages for defamation. The bitter War of the Roses has been raging for years. Heard filed for divorce in 2016 after just 15 months of marriage. She accused the Hollywood star of domestic violence. The magazine “People” reported at the time on the “toxic marriage”, on the cover a photo of Heard with bloody lip and bruises, caused by Depp, she claimed.
These were “diabolical” lies, Depp said on Tuesday. His two children, then 14 and 16 years old, should have listened to these things. “My goal is the truth.” He wanted to clear his name for himself and for his children. He was “obsessed” with bringing the truth to light. Depp has children Lily-Rose, 22, and Jack, 20, with his former partner, French actress Vanessa Paradis.
The stakes are high for Depp. Last year he suffered a defeat in court in London with a lawsuit against the tabloid “Sun”. It was about an article alleging that Depp physically abused Heard. After a week-long trial with fierce allegations, the lawsuit was dismissed. The majority of the allegations mentioned in the newspaper turned out to be true, the judges had determined in their verdict. Heard was “the victim of sustained and multiple attacks”.
In the process in London, Depp and his 23-year-old ex-wife (“Zombieland”) covered themselves with the most bitter allegations. For weeks, they revealed details in court that one would rather never have heard of. Feces on the bedspread, blood-soaked messages on the mirror and a severed fingertip were just a few of them.
Elon Musk expected as a witness
The ongoing process is also expected to last several weeks. In addition to Depp and Heard, other prominent witnesses are expected, including Tesla CEO Elon Musk and actors Paul Bettany and James Franco. Since last week, the actors’ assistants, a doctor, a marriage counselor, Depp’s sister and friends have had their say.
Heard’s attorney, Benjamin Rottenborn, promised evidence that would expose Depp as an alcohol and drug addict. The actor also used sexual violence, he said at the start. In the process, the jury will hear “appalling” descriptions. Heard will speak about it personally.
But first, Depp has the floor. In response to questions from his lawyers on Tuesday, he described a difficult childhood in Kentucky with fears of his mother’s frequent outbursts of violence and beatings. Even as a teenager he tried drugs to escape this reality. Later, after an injury while filming “Pirates of the Caribbean – On Stranger Tides” (2011), he was addicted to opioid painkillers for years. Heard’s portrayal of his alleged “drug abuse” was completely exaggerated, Depp emphasized.
private life in public
The actor opened up about meeting Heard for the first time while filming The Rum Diary (2011) together and the beginning of their romance. “She was too good to be true,” Depp said. “She was thoughtful, she was loving, she was smart, she was kind, she was funny, she was understanding. We had a lot in common.” But that didn’t last long. Heard has become a different person.
Court cameras also broadcast the public mud fight in front of the jury. Embarrassing insights into private life move into the limelight. He was rather shy and reserved, said Depp on Tuesday. This process is regrettable for everyone involved. But he is doing “the right thing” to restore his reputation.