Johnny Depp to return to stand in defamation case against ex-wife
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[April 20, 2022]
By Lisa Richwine
(Reuters) - Actor Johnny Depp is expected
to return to the witness stand on Wednesday in a $50 million defamation
case he said he brought to expose the truth about his relationship with
ex-wife and actress Amber Heard, who has accused him of abuse.
In three hours of testimony in a Virginia courtroom on Tuesday, Depp
said he and Heard argued, but he never struck her. He wanted to correct
the record about his behavior for himself and his children.
Speaking softly and slowly, Depp said it was a "complete shock" about
six years ago when Heard "made some quite heinous and disturbing"
allegations that he became violent during their relationship.
"Never did I myself reach the point of striking Ms. Heard in any way,
nor have I ever struck any woman in my life," said Depp, who wore a dark
suit with his hair in a ponytail.
Depp's two children from a previous relationship were in high school at
the time.
"Truth is the only thing I’m interested in,” he added. "I’m obsessed
with the truth."
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2022/Apr/20/images/ads/current/hopedaleag_daily_sda_SFARM_2022.png)
Depp, 58, alleges Heard, 35, defamed him when she penned a December 2018
opinion piece in the Washington Post about being a survivor of domestic
abuse. He filed a $50 million lawsuit against Heard in 2018.
The article never mentioned Depp by name, but Depp lawyer Benjamin Chew
told jurors a week ago that it was clear Heard was referencing the
Hollywood leading man.
Attorneys for Heard have argued she told the truth and that her opinion
was protected as free speech under the U.S. Constitution's First
Amendment. In opening arguments, Heard's attorneys said Depp physically
and sexually assaulted her while abusing drugs and alcohol.
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![](../images/042022pics/news_n55.jpg)
Actor Johnny Depp testifies at the Fairfax County Circuit Courthouse
as his defamation case against ex-wife Amber Heard continues, in
Fairfax, Virginia, U.S., April 19, 2022. Jim Watson/Pool via REUTERS
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2022/Apr/20/images/ads/current/fcs_funeral_lda082613.png) A state court judge in Fairfax
County, Virginia, is overseeing the trial, which is in its second
week and is expected to last for six weeks.
Less than two years ago, Depp lost a libel case against The Sun, a
British tabloid that labeled him a “wife beater." A London High
Court judge ruled he had repeatedly assaulted Heard and put her in
fear for her life.
In the U.S. case, Depp and Heard both submitted long lists of
potential witnesses they may call, including Heard’s ex-boyfriend
and Tesla Chief Executive Elon Musk and actor James Franco.
Depp’s lawyers have said they filed the case in Fairfax County,
outside the District of Columbia, because the Washington Post is
printed at a facility there. The Washington Post is not a defendant
in the case.
The United States is a difficult forum for libel plaintiffs,
especially public figures like Depp, who must prove by clear and
convincing evidence that Heard knowingly made false claims.
Heard, known for roles in "Aquaman" and "Justice League," has
brought her own libel claim against Depp, saying he smeared her by
calling her a liar.
Heard's counterclaim, seeking $100 million in damages, will be
decided as part of the trial.
(Reporting by Lisa Richwine; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)
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