The fourth day of Johnny Depp’s defamation lawsuit against Amber Heard’s ex-wife has come to an end in Virginia. Monday’s proceedings opened with the second half of a pre-recorded video testimony by Dr. David Kipper, who treated the couple during their marriage and is still treating Depp for addiction. Dr. Kipper testified that he never witnessed abuse between the couple, but recalled that he treated Depp’s severed finger after an incident in March 2015 in which the actor later claimed that Herd had thrown vodka bottles at him. The lawsuit focuses on Depp’s claim that Herd defamed him by implying that he abused her in a 2018 column. Although she did not name him, lawyers claim that her allegations made it difficult for the actor to obtain film roles. He is seeking $ 50 million (£ 38.2 million) in damages during the Fairfax County District Court trial. Herd has filed a counterclaim against Depp for harassment. Depp has previously lost a defamation case in the UK to The Sun over Heard’s own article.
Basic points
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Voices: Hollywood takes over Fairfax County court
Our reporter, Clémence Michallon, covered the defamation trial in Fairfax County Court last week. Here, she shares her knowledge of the process: Megan Sheets18 April 2022 23:00 1650316454
The court adjourned for the day
The fourth day of the deposition is over, with Mr. Bett expected to complete his turn at the witness stand tomorrow. Megan Sheets18 April 2022 22:14 1650316242
The security guard remembers resolving the dispute between Depp and Herd
Mr. Beth now describes an incident in which he broke into Depp and Herd’s penthouse after hearing her scream. He said he helped grab some of Depp’s belongings and led him away from the scene. He added that he did not see any injuries to Herd. Megan Sheets18 April 2022 22:10 1650315303
The court showed pictures of Depp’s injuries
The jury was given pictures of Depp’s head injuries, which Beth confirmed. Johnny Depp’s bodyguard Sean Beth testified April 18 about this photo he took of the actor’s head injuries (Fairfax County Court) Megan Sheets18 April 2022 21:55 1650314479
The security guard describes a change in Depp and Herd’s relationship
Beth told the court that Depp and Herd’s relationship was very happy at first, but over time it became tough. He said he saw an increase in disagreements between the couple and claimed that these incidents were more frequent when Herd drank. At one point he said that he told Herd: “This can not continue – either you will kill each other or you will be in prison.” Mr. Bett also noted that Heard’s friends were very good with Depp – implying that their attitude had something to do with his generosity. Megan Sheets18 April 2022 21:41 1650313964
Depp “very nice” with or without alcohol
Beth confirmed that he saw Depp drinking alcohol, adding: “He handles alcohol much better than I do.” He called the actor “very nice” and said that he enters “Jack Sparrow mode” when he drinks. Beth said he has never seen Depp do drugs, but that he knows the actor’s story of substance abuse. Asked about Herd, Beth said he had a positive impression when they first met. Megan Sheets18 April 2022 21:32 1650313730
The security guard describes the “open door” access to Depp
Beth said his responsibilities have “evolved” over the course of about eight years with Depp, including more and more travel over time. He said he had “open door” access to Depp both at home and on the trip. “Wherever he is, I must have access to him,” he said. He said his main responsibility is to provide security for Depp and his “prosperity”. Megan Sheets18 April 2022 21:28 1650313441
Depp’s keeper takes his place
The next witness to testify is Sean Bett, a member of Depp’s security team. He is currently being asked about his law enforcement background and how he came to work for the actor. Megan Sheets18 April 2022 21:24 1650313215
The nurse testimony ends
Mrs Lloyd’s testimony is now complete. In total it lasted a little over three hours. Megan Sheets18 April 2022 21:20 1650312245
The nurse says she never saw Depp abuse Herd
After questioning by Depp’s lawyers, Ms. Lloyd confirmed that she had never seen the actor abusing Herd or throwing anything at her. She said that she had seen such an action, she would have recorded it in her official notes. Ms Lloyd also said she did not see Herd abusing Depp and was not afraid for his safety. Megan Sheets18 April 2022 21:04
