Johnny Depp (Captain Jack Sparrow) on Trial

 

Johnny Depp’s United States defamation trial against his ex-wife Amber Heard started on April 16. The trial is supposed to last six weeks and, just like a movie, is already full of twists, turns, suspense and drama.

In 2012, Depp, who acted as Jack Sparrow in the famous movie, Pirates of the Carribean and started dating actress Heard. In 2014 they were engaged, and in 2015 were married. But by 2016, Heard filed for divorce stating irreconcilable differences. Soon after, Heard filed an order of protection saying Depp emotionally, verbally and physically abused her. Heard wrote an op-ed for “The Washington Post” speaking out against violence against women and the price they pay for speaking up against men. Depp claims these allegations led to Depp being dropped by Disney from the “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise and axed from Warner Brothers’ “Fantastic Beasts” franchise.

The Trial Goes On

After 13 days of testimony, attorneys for Johnny Depp rested their case in their defamation trial against Amber Heard on Tuesday.

Depp is suing Heard, his ex-wife, alleging that a 2018 op-ed she penned defamed him and caused him to lose work in Hollywood.

Jurors have heard from more than two dozen witnesses called by Depp's attorneys, including Depp himself. Many testified about explosive fights between the two.

Minutes after Depp's legal team rested its case, Heard's attorneys presented a motion to strike the entire case, arguing that Depp did not prove his defamation case. The motion to strike is a common tactic and asked the judge to make a summary judgment.

Judge Penny Azcarate partially denied the motion based on two arguments but said she would continue to consider one other argument if the evidence is presented relating to it when Heard's team presents its case.

Heard's legal team began presenting its case on Tuesday with testimony from psychologist Dawn Hughes.

Who is Johnny Depp?

John Christopher Depp II was born on June 9, 1963. He is an American actor, producer, and musician. He is the recipient of multiple accolades, including a Golden Globe Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award, in addition to nominations for three Academy Awards and two British Academy Film Awards.