Amber Heard testifies for 1st time in Johnny Depp defamation lawsuit – Nationwide

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Amber Heard took the stand for the primary time on Wednesday to ship her testimony in opposition to ex-husband Johnny Depp, who’s accusing her of ruining his popularity and profession with false accusations of home violence.

Her testimony has been extremely anticipated, as jurors and viewers around the globe have watched for the final three weeks because the A-list couple attempt to show the opposite was the extra poisonous individual within the relationship.

Within the authorized battle between the 2 stars, each Heard, 36, and Depp, 58, declare to be victims of violence. The preliminary courtroom case started when Depp filed a $50-million defamation lawsuit over a Washington Publish op-ed penned by Heard in late 2018 about home abuse.

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Courtroom proven Amber Heard’s secret recording of Johnny Depp violently smashing cabinets and glasses

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Heard didn’t point out Depp by identify within the article, however the actor alleges his popularity and profession have been nonetheless “devastated” in consequence.

Heard started her testimony following the cross-examination of Dr. Daybreak Hughes, a forensic psychologist.

As she took the stand, Heard informed the jury this trial course of has been “extremely painful” and “the toughest factor I’ve ever needed to do.”

She mentioned how she met her ex-husband Depp whereas auditioning for The Rum Diary in 2008, a movie wherein the actors co-starred. She testified the pair bonded over books, poetry and previous blues music.

Heard informed the courtroom she and Depp fell in love throughout The Rum Diary press tour. “It felt like a dream,” she mentioned, regardless of the actual fact the couple needed to see one another in secret, because the press didn’t know but of Depp’s cut up from the mom of his youngsters, Vanessa Paradis. “It was absolute magic.”

When requested about how her relationship with Depp developed in 2012, Heard mentioned the actor would disappear at occasions. She additionally mentioned Depp began ingesting closely, criticized her clothes, and insisted she halt her performing profession.

“After which there can be a blow up,” Heard testified, claiming Depp would destroy property, like tables and glasses, and punch partitions.

She continued, claiming the primary time Depp hit her was when she requested a couple of light tattoo on his forearm that learn ‘Wino Without end’.  She informed the courtroom that Depp was ingesting wine, and probably doing cocaine. Heard testified that she laughed about his tattoo and in response Depp slapped her throughout the face.

“I laughed as a result of I didn’t know what else to do. I assumed ‘this have to be a joke,’” she mentioned.

Heard testified Depp slapped her once more. “I simply stared at him. I didn’t say something, I didn’t react. I didn’t transfer or freak out or defend myself,” she mentioned. “I simply stared at him as a result of I didn’t know what else to do. And he slapped me yet another time. Laborious.”

She mentioned Depp then sank to his knees and started to cry, begging for forgiveness.

When requested why she stayed with Depp, Heard responded, “I believed there was a line he wouldn’t cross once more, and that was it.”

On Tuesday, after Depp’s authorized group completed questioning their witnesses, Heard’s legal professionals requested the choose to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing that Depp had did not make his case as a matter of legislation and that no affordable jury may discover in his favour.

Choose Penney Azcarate mentioned the usual for dismissing a case at this level within the trial is exceedingly excessive, and that the case must be allowed to maneuver ahead if Depp has supplied even a “scintilla” of proof backing up his claims; she then dismissed the movement.

Heard’s legal professionals then started questioning Dr. Hughes. Amongst her chief testimony, Dr. Hughes mentioned she recognized Heard with PTSD after 29 hours of interviews. (The forensic psychologist introduced by Depp mentioned the alternative, that Heard didn’t have PTSD.)

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Johnny Depp claims texts about burning Amber Heard’s physique was a reference to ‘Monty Python’

Dr. Hughes once more disputed testimony from Depp’s forensic psychologist, who had claimed Heard suffered from borderline and histrionic persona issues. Dr. Hughes informed the jury Heard doesn’t have any type of persona dysfunction.

In stark distinction to Depp’s personal testimony, Dr. Hughes additionally testified Heard endured many sexual assaults by the hands of Depp, together with being pressured to carry out oral intercourse and having Depp penetrate her with a liquor bottle.

Earlier within the trial, Depp testified he by no means bodily abused Heard or some other girl. He’s maintained that Heard was an instigator within the relationship, who would push him to turn into embroiled in profane arguments. He additionally mentioned that Heard punched, kicked and threw objects at him over the course of their relationship.

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Courtroom hears audio clip of Johnny Depp throwing marriage ceremony ring in argument with Amber Heard

Depp’s testimony included reference to his former opioid habit, although he maintains he isn’t and has by no means been an addict (aside from Roxicodone). A number of heated audio and video recordings of the couple arguing have been performed in courtroom.

A now notorious journey to Australia the place Depp severed the tip of his finger has additionally been on the centre of the trial. Depp has alleged he misplaced the digit when Heard threw a vodka bottle at his hand, although her legal professionals deny this, claiming he wounded himself in a drunken rage.

Heard is countersuing Depp for $100-million.

— With information from The Related Press