Johnny Depp Testifies In Court On Amber Heard Abuse Allegations, Calls Them ‘Completely Untrue’ & ‘Sick’

Actor Johnny Depp‘s libel case against the News Group Newspapers in the U.K. began on Tuesday. Depp claims the statements made by the group that he was abusive towards his ex-wife Amber Heard were “completely untrue” and “sick.”

Depp participated in the case in High Court in London while wearing a face mask, which was recommended during the coronavirus pandemic. He is suing both the News Group Newspapers and Dan Wootton, who is the editor of the tabloid The Sun, which is owned by News Group. 

In 2018, the publication published a story that stated Depp was an abusive husband to his wife Heard. In court, the News Group Newspapers alleged that Depp was “controlling and verbally and physically abusive,” and “particularly when he was under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.” 

The group added that Depp, “beat his wife Amber Heard, causing her to suffer significant injury, and on occasion leading to her fearing for her life.”  

While Depp has always denied these allegations and even claims that Heard was abusive towards him, the News Group Newspapers argued that they are “entirely accurate and truthful.”

Depp’s lawyer David Sherborne said in a written statement, “The claimant’s position is clear – Ms Heard’s allegations are complete lies. The claimant was not violent towards Ms Heard, it was she who was violent to him.”

Heard was present in the courtroom on Tuesday and is expected to present evidence later on. Photos, audio recordings and Depp’s text messages will also be used as evidence throughout the case.

Vanessa Paradis and Winona Ryder, who Depp has had prior relationships with, will make an appearance in High Court. Both parties claim that Depp was not violent towards them.

Heard and Depp met on the set of The Rum Diary in 2009. They were married in 2015, but then went through a months-long divorce. When it was finally settled, a statement was issued that explained that the pair, “have agreed to resolve their divorce proceeding privately.”