|
Jurors in the case have listened to explicit
recordings of the couple's arguments and testimony about a
severed finger, feces in a bed and an alleged sexual assault
with a bottle.
Depp, 58, is suing Heard, 36, for $50 million, saying she
defamed him when she claimed she was a victim of domestic abuse.
Heard has counter-sued for $100 million, arguing Depp smeared
her by calling her a liar.
The "Pirates of the Caribbean" star testified that he never hit
Heard and argued that she was the abuser in their relationship.
In early 2015 shortly after their wedding, Heard threw a vodka
bottle that cut off the top of Depp's right middle finger, he
said.
In April 2016, Depp said, feces were found in the couple's bed.
One of his security guards testified that Heard told him the
feces were left there as a "horrible practical joke gone wrong."
Heard, best known for her role in "Aquaman," has denied severing
Depp's finger and said she only hit him to defend herself or her
sister. In tearful testimony about that night, she said Depp
assaulted her by inserting a liquor bottle in her vagina while
he threatened to kill her.
Heard has not yet been cross-examined by Depp's lawyers.
The legal case hinges on a December 2018 opinion piece Heard
authored in the Washington Post. 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
after less than two years of marriage.
Depp, once among Hollywood's biggest stars, said Heard's
allegations cost him "everything." A new "Pirates" movie was put
on hold, and Depp was replaced in 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.
Closing arguments are scheduled for May 27.
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 filed the case in Fairfax County, Virginia,
because the Washington Post is printed there. The newspaper is
not a defendant.
(Reporting by Lisa Richwine; Editing by Alistair Bell)
[© 2022 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.]
This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content.
|
|
