Testimony in a Virginia court
Johnny Depp: I've never hit Amber Heard or any woman in my life
Depp confirmed that Heard had been tarnished.
Reuters
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The famous American actor Johnny Depp confirmed, in testimony in a Virginia court, the day before yesterday, that he never hit his ex-wife, Amber Heard, refuting her accusations in a defamation lawsuit to correct his image in front of the public and to support his two children.
Speaking calmly and slowly for nearly three hours, Depp said in the courtroom that he had been "completely shocked" about six years ago when Heard "made gruesome and disturbing allegations" that he had become violent during their relationship.
"I've never gotten to the point of hitting Mrs. Heard in any way, and I've never hit a woman in my life," said Depp, who was wearing a dark jacket and his hair in a ponytail.
The "Pirates of the Caribbean" hero added, "I felt it was my responsibility to stand up not only for myself in this situation, but for my child."
His two children were from a previous high school relationship at the time.
And he continued, "It is very strange that one day Cinderella, so to speak, and then again becomes a Quasimodo (a fictional character and the main hero of the novel The Hunchback of Notre Dame)."
Depp, 58, added that Heard, 35, discredited him when she wrote an opinion piece in December 2018 in the Washington Post about being a domestic violence survivor.
The star sued Heard, seeking $50 million in damages, in 2018.
The article did not mention Depp by name, but Depp's attorney, Benjamin Chew, told jurors that Heard was clearly referring to the Hollywood megastar.
Heard's lawyers argued that she told the truth and that her opinion is protected as freedom of speech under the First Amendment to the US Constitution.
In opening arguments, Heard's lawyers said Depp physically and sexually assaulted her while he was under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
Heard continued the testimony without expression, sometimes nodding her head or taking notes.
Less than two years ago, Depp lost a defamation lawsuit he filed against the British newspaper, The Sun, which described him as a "wife-beater".
The London High Court judge ruled that he had repeatedly assaulted Heard and made her fear for her life.
In the US case, Depp and Heard provided long lists of potential witnesses they might contact, including Heard's ex-boyfriend and Tesla CEO Elon Musk and actor James Franco.
The United States is a difficult forum for libel prosecutors, especially public figures like Depp, who must prove with clear and convincing evidence that Heard intentionally made false allegations.
Heard, known for her roles in "Aquaman" and "Justice League," filed a defamation suit against Depp, saying, "He denigrated her by calling her a liar."
Heard's lawsuit, which is seeking $100 million in damages, will be decided at trial.
• 3 hours, during which Johnny Depp spoke calmly and slowly in his testimony before the US court.
Amber Heard's lawsuit in the United States against Depp seeks damages of $100 million.
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