Actor Johnny Depp testified on Tuesday that he by no means struck his ex-wife Amber Heard and was difficult her accusations in a $50 million defamation case to right the general public’s notion and arise for his youngsters. (Also learn: Johnny Depp’s $50 million defamation suit against ex-wife Amber Heard begins; Elon Musk, James Franco may testify)
Speaking softly and slowly for almost three hours, Depp mentioned in a Virginia courtroom that it was a “full shock” about six years in the past when Heard “made some fairly heinous and disturbing” allegations that he turned violent throughout their relationship.
“Never did I actually attain the purpose of putting Ms. Heard in any method, nor have I ever struck any girl in my life,” mentioned Depp, who wore a darkish go well with along with his hair in a ponytail.
“I felt it my accountability to face up not solely for myself in that occasion however arise for my youngsters,” the Pirates of the Caribbean star mentioned. His two youngsters from a earlier relationship have been in highschool at the time.
“It’s very unusual when one day you’re Cinderella so to talk, after which in 0.6 seconds you’re Quasimodo,” added Depp, who is ready to return to the witness stand on Wednesday, when he’s anticipated to face a cross-examination from Heard’s authorized group.
Depp, 58, alleges Heard, 35, defamed him when she penned a December 2018 opinion piece in the Washington Post about being a survivor of home abuse. He filed a $50 million lawsuit against Heard in 2018.
The article by no means talked about Depp by identify, however Depp lawyer Benjamin Chew advised jurors it was clear Heard was referencing the Hollywood main man.
Attorneys for Heard, additionally an actor, have argued she advised the reality and that her opinion was protected as free speech underneath the U.S. Constitution’s First Amendment. In opening arguments, Heard’s attorneys mentioned Depp bodily and sexually assaulted her whereas abusing medicine and alcohol.
A state court docket choose in Fairfax County, Virginia, is overseeing the trial, which is in its second week and is predicted to final for six weeks.
On Tuesday, Depp’s attorneys requested him about his film profession and his early interactions with Heard on the set of 2011 movie The Rum Diary. Depp described her at that point as candy, clever and humorous.
The actor additionally detailed his mother and father’ tumultuous relationship.
Depp mentioned his mother and father steadily argued and his mom bodily abused her youngsters. Depp mentioned his father by no means fought bodily along with his mom however punched a wall as many as three occasions, as soon as breaking his hand. His father left the household when Depp was 15, the actor mentioned.
By that point, Depp had “performed all of the medicine I used to be conscious of,” he mentioned. He mentioned he turned hooked on opiates after he was injured on the set of the fourth Pirates movie however recovered from that dependency.
Depp mentioned Heard “grossly embellished” his substance use. “Quite a lot of it’s simply plainly false,” he mentioned. “I feel it was a straightforward goal for her to hit.” Heard watched the testimony with little expression whereas Depp spoke, sometimes tilting her head or jotting notes.
Less than two years in the past, Depp misplaced a libel case against The Sun, a British tabloid that labeled him a “spouse beater.” A London High Court choose dominated he had repeatedly assaulted Heard and put her in worry for her life.
In the U.S. case, Depp and Heard each submitted lengthy lists of potential witnesses they could name, together with Heard’s ex-boyfriend and Tesla Chief Executive Elon Musk and actor James Franco.
Depp’s attorneys have mentioned they filed the case in Fairfax County, outdoors the District of Columbia, as a result of the Washington Post is printed at a facility there. The Washington Post just isn’t a defendant in the case.
The United States is a troublesome discussion board for libel plaintiffs, particularly public figures like Depp, who should show by clear and convincing proof that Heard knowingly made false claims.
Heard, identified for roles in Aquaman and Justice League, has introduced her personal libel declare against Depp, saying he smeared her by calling her a liar.
Heard’s counterclaim, looking for $100 million in damages, can be determined as a part of the trial.