Famous American actor Johnny Depp said in a Virginia court on Tuesday that he never hit his ex-wife, Amber Heard, dismissing her accusations in a defamation lawsuit to correct his public image and support his two children.
Speaking calmly and slowly for nearly 3 hours, Depp said in the courtroom that he was “completely shocked” about 6 years ago when Heard “made gruesome and disturbing allegations” that he became violent during their relationship.
“I’ve never gotten to the point of hitting Mrs. Heard in any way, and I’ve never hit a woman in my life,” Depp added.
“I felt it was my responsibility to stand not only for myself in that situation but for the sake of my child,” said the star of the “Pirates of the Caribbean” films, according to Reuters.
His two children were from a previous high school relationship at the time.
“It is very strange that one day Cinderella, so to speak, and then again becomes a Quasimodo,” said Depp, who is scheduled to return to the witness stand, today, Wednesday, to face the questioning of Heard’s legal team, referring to the fictional character and the main hero of the novel “The Hunchback.” Notre Dame”.
Depp, 58, said Heard, 35, tarnished his reputation when she wrote a December 2018 op-ed in the Washington Post about being a domestic violence survivor. He sued Heard, seeking $50 million in damages, in 2018.
The article never mentioned Depp by name, but Depp’s attorney, Benjamin Chew, told jurors that Heard was clearly referring to the Hollywood megastar.
counter suit
Lawyers for Amber Heard, who is also an actress, argued that she told the truth and that her opinion is protected as freedom of speech under the First Amendment to the US Constitution. In opening arguments, Heard’s lawyers said Depp physically and sexually assaulted her while under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
Heard continued the testimony without showing her any expression, sometimes nodding her head or taking notes.
Less than two years ago, Depp lost a defamation case against the British newspaper The Sun, which described him as a “wife-beater”. The London High Court judge ruled that he repeatedly assaulted Heard and made her fear for her life.
In the US case, Depp and Heard provided long lists of potential witnesses they might contact, including Heard’s ex-boyfriend and Tesla CEO Elon Musk and actor James Franco.
The United States is a difficult forum for libel prosecutors, especially public figures like Depp, who must prove with clear and convincing evidence that Heard intentionally made false allegations.
Heard, known for her roles in “Aquaman” and “Justice League,” has filed a defamation suit against Depp, saying he tarnished her reputation by calling her a liar.
Heard’s lawsuit, which is seeking $100 million in damages, will be decided at trial.