The trial of Amber Heard in the defamation lawsuit brought by her exhusband Johnny Depp is coming to an end in the state of Virginia (USA). In addition to the closing arguments, the last witnesses are also to be heard this week. According to the Daily Mail, Elon Musk and James Franco have been listed as witnesses but will not attend.
Depp sued Amber over a 2018 Washington Post editorial in which the actress cited abuse and domestic violence she suffered but did not name him, but such allegations would have hampered her work. He is seeking US$50 million in damages (about R$250 million at current prices). So far, several witnesses have been heard in a court conspiracy that has already exposed abuses on both sides.
Last week, the actor’s lawyers ended their arguments and the actress’s defense began to include her witnesses, on a preagreed list but without guaranteeing everyone’s attendance as it is a law in Virginia the state where the trial is taking place gives. in the US which eliminates the requirement to appear in court for nonresidents of the state.
The group of witnesses focused on showing the jury Depp’s character in relation to his alcohol and drug addictions, which were characterized as “erratic behavior.”
the witnesses
Not all names on the witness list are necessarily celebrities, some are anonymous professionals who can corroborate statements by the parties, and others who are close to Amber and/or were once close to the actor.
They have been heard in the past week: Bruce Witkin, who was friends with Johnny Depo from 1982 to 2018 but the friendship ended without explanation; Tracey Jacobs, Depp’s former agent who has witnessed his work difficulties over the past 10 years; Raquel “Rocky” Pennington, Heard’s former best friend; Joshua Drew, Rachel’s exhusband; Elizabeth Marz, friend of Heard; Joel Mandel, a former executive who handled the actor’s finances and expenses.
The defamation lawsuit between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard caught US attention
Image: GettyImages
He testified that he saw the actor’s behavior become erratic, with “disproportionate” reactions to some situations, mostly changing around 2010, when Mandel realized that Depp’s “alcohol and drug use had become a common occurrence.” had become,” he told NBC News.
Another witness who spoke was Adam Waldman, an attorney who worked directly with Depp and is part of his legal team. However, he refused to answer 75 questions, citing client attorney Prinz. He testified via video conference.
Waldman previously told the Daily Mail that Amber’s abuse allegations were “a hoax” but did not respond, although he admitted to speaking to the press and giving information about the former couple to socalled “network journalists,” according to The Independent.
Other names have also been heard: Michelle Mulroney, Amber’s former attorney; Disney executive producer Tina Newman who denied Depp wasn’t being considered for films like Pirates of the Caribbean 6 based on Amber’s 2018 editorial; Jessica Kavacevic, the actress’ talent agent; Whitney Henriquez, Amber’s sister, who said she was assaulted by her former brotherinlaw; and makeup artist Melanie Inglessis, who witnessed the actress hide injuries before going on a TV show.
Johnny Depp has been granted permission to launch a $50 million defamation lawsuit against his exwife Amber Heard
Image: Playback/Instagram
Actress Ellen Barkin also testified. She befriended Depp in the 1990s and became sexually involved with him when he moved to Los Angeles in 1994. In her statement, she claimed Depp is a “jealous, controlling man” and that she saw him get out of control during the recording of “Medo e Lírio,” in 1998, playing a game, a bottle of wine in a hotel room and her towards other people.
Another name that spoke out was acting coach Kirsty Sexton. She explained that Depp was “very concerned” about Amber’s collaboration with James Franco, who starred with her in Childhood Trauma (2015), alongside some previous work. He himself has already informed the court that he suspects an affair between the two. Amber said she welcomed Franco into her home the day before filing for divorce.
Defenders for Amber Heard included the name of actor and actress friend James Franco to testify via videoconference, as well as the name of billionaire Elon Musk, who dated Amber after she and Depp split.
However, sources told British newspaper The Independent that neither Tesla’s CEO nor the actress’ actor friend will take the witness post. Their names were on the list of potential witnesses before the trial. New bank statements will be collected starting this Monday.
external support
While witnesses in court corroborate his exwife’s defense account, Depp is receiving support from offjury celebrities including model Ireland Baldwin and actresses Penélope Cruz and Winona Ryder, his exgirlfriend.
French actress Eva Green, who starred with the actor in ‘Shadows of the Night’ (2012), shared a photo of the two on a red carpet last week.
“I have no doubt that Johnny’s good name and beautiful heart will be revealed to the world and life will be better than ever for him and his family.”