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Depp, 58, is suing Heard, 36, for $50 million
after she accused him of abuse before and during their roughly
two-year marriage. The "Pirates of the Caribbean" actor has
argued that Heard was the one who became violent in the
relationship.
Heard, known for roles in "Aquaman" and "Justice League," has
counter-sued for $100 million, saying Depp smeared her by
calling her a liar.
Last week, Heard's attorneys presented emails and text messages
that Depp had sent to Heard, friends, family and associates that
were often filled with expletives and vulgar descriptions.
Writing to actor Paul Bettany in 2013, Depp said: "Let's drown
her before we burn her" and "I will fuck her burnt corpse
afterward to make sure she is dead."
Depp said he was "not proud of any of the language he used in
anger."
The actor testified earlier that it was Heard who got physical
during arguments and would slap or shove him. Heard once threw a
vodka bottle at Depp's hand, cutting off the top of his right
middle finger, he said.
In a separate legal case in Britain, Heard denied throwing a
bottle and severing Depp's finger. She said she threw things
only to escape when he was beating her, and once punched him
because she feared he would push her sister down the stairs.
Depp said he never struck Heard or any woman. He has accused
Heard of defaming him when she penned a December 2018 opinion
piece in the Washington Post about being a survivor of domestic
abuse.
The article never mentioned Depp by name, but his lawyer told
jurors it was clear Heard was referencing him. The couple's
divorce was finalized in 2017.
Depp, once among the biggest stars in Hollywood, said Heard's
allegations cost him "everything." A new "Pirates" movie was put
on hold, and Depp was dropped from the "Fantastic Beasts" film
franchise, a "Harry Potter" spinoff.
Heard's attorneys have argued that she told the truth and that
her opinion was protected 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.
A state court judge in Fairfax County, Virginia, is overseeing
the trial, which is expected to last until late May.
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.
Depp's lawyers have said they filed the U.S. case in Fairfax
County, outside the nation's capital, because the Washington
Post is printed there. The newspaper is not a defendant.
(Reporting by Lisa Richwine in Los Angeles; Editing by Sandra
Maler)
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