Johnny Depp Denies Striking Amber Heard, Calls Accusations 'Heinous' in Defamation Trial

Actor Johnny Depp testified in a Virginia courtroom that he never physically struck his ex-wife, Amber Heard, and is challenging her accusations in a $50 million defamation case. Depp expressed his intention to correct the public's perception and stand up for his children during the trial.

In his three-hour testimony, Depp emphatically stated that he never reached the point of physically striking Heard or any other woman in his life.

He characterized Heard's allegations, which she made about six years ago, as "heinous and disturbing." Depp, known for his role in "Pirates of the Caribbean," explained that he felt responsible not only for defending himself but also for protecting his children, who were in high school at the time.

The trial revolves around Depp's claim that Heard defamed him when she wrote an opinion piece for The Washington Post in December 2018, identifying herself as a survivor of domestic abuse. While the article did not mention Depp by name, Depp's lawyer argued that it was evident she was referring to him.

Amber Heard's legal team maintains that she told the truth and that her opinion was protected as free speech under the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment. They have also alleged that Depp physically and s*xually assaulted her while abusing drugs and alcohol.

The trial is in its second week and is expected to last for six weeks, presided over by a state court judge in Fairfax County, Virginia. Depp will return to the witness stand for cross-examination by Heard's legal team.

During his testimony, Depp discussed his career in the film industry and his early interactions with Heard on the set of the 2011 film "The Rum Diary," describing her as sweet, intelligent, and funny at that time.

He also delved into his parents' tumultuous relationship, revealing that his mother physically abused her children and that his parents frequently argued. Depp's father never engaged in physical altercations with his mother but did punch a wall on multiple occasions, once breaking his hand. Depp's father left the family when Depp was 15.

Depp admitted to struggling with substance abuse, particularly opiates, following an injury on the set of the fourth "Pirates of the Caribbean" film. However, he emphasized that Heard "grossly embellished" his substance use and described many of her claims as false.

Amber Heard watched Depp's testimony with little expression, occasionally taking notes or tilting her head.

Notably, Depp lost a libel case against The Sun, a British tabloid, less than two years ago, which labeled him a "wife beater." A London High Court judge ruled that he had repeatedly assaulted Heard and put her in fear for her life.

This U.S. case is taking place in Fairfax County because The Washington Post is printed at a facility there, though the publication is not a defendant in the case. Depp, a public figure, must prove by clear and convincing evidence that Heard knowingly made false claims, which is a challenging standard for libel plaintiffs in the United States.

Amber Heard has also brought her own libel claim against Depp, seeking $100 million in damages, and her counterclaim will be decided as part of the trial.