Johnny Depp, Amber Heard Libel Trial: Every Revelation, Testimony You Need To Know

Johnny Depp, Amber Heard Libel Trial: Every Revelations, Testimony You Need To Know — Johnny Depp and Amber Heard's trial, which started on April 11, revealed unheard details of the former couple's life from both sides' testimony. Here are what we know so far! John Phillips/Getty Images for BFI

The once married couple, Johnny Depp and Amber Heard, is suing each other in a multi-million dollar libel action over an article Amber Heard, 35, wrote for The Washington Post in 2018 in which she recounted her experiences with domestic abuse.

According to Court TV, the trial began on April 11 in Fairfax County, Virginia, just outside of Washington, D.C., with a panel of 11 - seven jurors and four alternates - selected.

Johnny Depp sued Amber Heard for $50 million, saying that she defamed him in a December 2018. She claimed to be a victim of domestic abuse in the article, a claim she originally made during their acrimonious divorce proceedings in Los Angeles in 2016.

Because their divorce was settled out of court in the middle of a media frenzy, Amber Heard was never able to establish she was assaulted. "Neither party has made false charges for financial benefit and there was never any purpose of physical or mental damage. Amber wishes Johnny the best in the future," their joint statement stated.

The trial's opening remarks began on April 12 and established the tone for what is sure to be a fruitless struggle. Here's what transpired thus far in the Johnny Depp and Amber Heard trial:

Johnny Depp's Friend Testifies

According to Metro, a close friend of Johnny Depp described how the actor's life has been "wrecked" by his long-running court fights with ex-wife Amber Heard. As he testified in Virginia's Fairfax County Circuit Court on Wednesday, Isaac Baruch, an artist who has known Depp for 40 years, said Heard's "false narrative" had "gone out the door and across the world."

Baruch also voiced his dissatisfaction with the "lengthy" processes, claiming that Heard should accept responsibility, heal, and move on. Depp's lawyers also allege that the story erroneously indicates that he physically and sexually assaulted Heard during their marriage. However, the piece does not name the Pirates of the Caribbean star, and Heard's attorneys claim that she is protected by the US constitution's first amendment, which guarantees freedom of expression.

Actor Allegedly Has Painkiller Addiction, Anger Issues

According to his multimillion-dollar lawsuit against ex-wife Amber Heard, Johnny Depp was a painkiller addict; his doctor also felt that he had anger issues. Christi Dembrowski, Depp's 61-year-old sister, said during the trial in Fairfax, Virginia, that Depp's doctor had warned her in an email that he accepted "no accountability for his behavior," as per The Sun. Dr. David Klipper described Depp as "pessimistic he would ever be able to quit using narcotics," according to Dembrowski, who used to be Depp's manager.

Johnny Depp Texted About Amber Heard's "Rotting Corpse"

Elaine Bredehoft, Heard's lawyer, disclosed communications between Johnny Depp and Isaac Baruch during cross-examination. According to reports, the actor told Baruch that he hoped Heard's rotten corpse was decomposing in the car.

The texts were purportedly exchanged in 2016, and Baruch attempted to dismiss them in court. According to the New York Post, that statement caused a wave of laughter throughout the courtroom. In 2020, Depp's libel action against the British tabloid The Sun resulted in the publication of similar writings.

Amber Heard's Domestic Violence Claims Are Fake, Says Close Friend

Baruch, who shared a penthouse apartment with Johnny Depp and Amber Heard, said in court that he had never seen any violence and had never seen Heard with any bruises or marks but that he was aware of two fights.

Johnny Depp's childhood friend grew upset when asked if he was angry with Heard, adding the actress had concocted a "fraudulent domestic violence accusation to extort and blackmail a man," Sky News reported.

The actor's attorneys said his ex was prepared for "the performance of a lifetime" during the trial, while her legal team said the case will reveal the "true" person behind the "fame" and "pirate costumes" in the opening remarks on Tuesday.

During the hearing, Heard's lawyers also informed the jury that they would hear evidence of physical and sexual assault. Depp has categorically denied the charges.

Both he and Heard are expected to testify throughout the trial, which is expected to last six weeks. On the witness list are actors Paul Bettany and James Franco, as well as tech entrepreneur Elon Musk.