Johnny Depp on Amber Heard: ‘She was too good to be true’

Sharp allegations and soft words: Johnny Depp spent three hours answering questions from his lawyers in the Fairfax County Court in the US state of Virginia. In his first testimony on Tuesday, the “Pirates of the Caribbean” star talks about a difficult childhood and drugs, about his career and also about fond memories of “Miss Heard”. Depp, in a dark gray suit, his hair tied back in a ponytail, speaks in a calm, thoughtful voice.

Actress Amber Heard, in a light blouse with ties, listens almost motionless to what her ex-husband says from a few meters away. Six years ago, Heard spread “disgusting” and “completely shocking” untruths about him, Depp begins his statement. The actor admits that there was a dispute in their relationship. “But I never got to the point of hitting Miss Heard in any way, nor have I ever hit a woman in my life,” Depp said under oath.

In his civil lawsuit, he accuses Heard of making false statements in a 2018 commentary on domestic violence published by the Washington Post. This would have damaged his reputation. Depp is seeking around $50 million in damages for defamation. The bitter War of the Roses has been raging for years. Heard filed for divorce in 2016 after just 15 months of marriage. She accused the Hollywood star of domestic violence. At the time, People magazine reported on the “toxic marriage,” which featured a photo of Heard with a bloody lip and bruises on the cover, which she claimed Depp caused.

Johnny Depp wants to clear his name

These were “diabolical” lies, Depp said on Tuesday. His two children, then 14 and 16 years old, should have listened to these things. “My goal is the truth.” He wanted to clear his name for himself and for his children. He was “obsessed” with bringing the truth to light. Depp has children Lily-Rose and Jack with his former partner, French actress Vanessa Paradis.

The stakes are high for Depp. Last year he suffered a defeat in court in London with a lawsuit against the tabloid “Sun”. It was about an article alleging that Depp physically abused Heard. After a week-long trial with fierce allegations, the lawsuit was dismissed. The majority of the allegations mentioned in the newspaper turned out to be true, the judges had determined in their verdict. Heard was “the victim of sustained and multiple attacks.”

In the process in London, Depp and his ex-wife, 23 years his junior, had made the most bitter allegations. For weeks, they revealed details in court that one would rather never have heard of. Feces on the bedspread, blood-soaked messages on the mirror and a severed fingertip were just a few of them.

The ongoing process is also expected to last several weeks. In addition to Depp and Heard, other prominent witnesses are expected, including Tesla boss Elon Musk and actors Paul Bettany and James Franco. Since last week, the actors’ assistants, a doctor, a marriage counselor, Depp’s sister and friends have had their say.

Heard’s attorney, Benjamin Rottenborn, promised evidence that would expose Depp as an alcohol and drug addict. The actor also used sexual violence, he said at the start. In the process, the jury will hear “appalling” descriptions. Heard will speak about it personally.

Johnny Depp opens up about his childhood and drugs

But first, Depp has the floor. In response to questions from his lawyers on Tuesday, he described a difficult childhood in Kentucky, with fears of his mother’s frequent outbursts of violence and beatings. Even as a teenager, he tried drugs to escape this reality. Later, after an injury while filming “Pirates of the Caribbean On Stranger Tides” in 2011, he was addicted to opioid painkillers for years. Heard’s account of his alleged “drug abuse” was completely exaggerated, Depp emphasized.

The actor told about his first meeting with Heard for joint filming of the movie “The Rum Diary” and the beginning of their romance. “She was too good to be true,” Depp said. “She was thoughtful, she was loving, she was smart, she was kind, she was funny, she was understanding. We had a lot in common.” But that didn’t last long. Heard has become a different person.

Court cameras also broadcast the public mud fight in front of the jury. Embarrassing insights into private life move into the limelight. He was rather shy and reserved, said Depp on Tuesday. This process is regrettable for everyone involved. But he is doing “the right thing” to restore his reputation.