Showdown
A bitter playdown with unsuspected cameos sets the tone within the first week of trial. Johnny Depp and Amber Heard who were married for just three years, still know how to put on a show even if they are away and separated by lawyers. With rare acting opportunities that come by, Johnny Depp and his ex wife Amber Heard are now starring in a legal drama about the collapse of their abusive marriage. The script is unpleasant, the walk ons are unpredictable and the lightning is harsh.
Claims and counter-claims of domestic abuse, manipulation, obsession, drug addiction and alcoholism inform the duelling defamation lawsuits being tested in a Fairfax, Virginia, courtroom.
False Accusations
Even though at the beginning the claims started with Amber Heard it slowly turnt on her side again with Johnny Depp’s accusation. Soon as the files were reported against him he started loosing many big big projects, he was effectively blacklisted by the Hollywood. “Designed to shock” and to “manipulate” the #MeToo movement were the reasons put forth towards his allegations. Jurors have heard that she initiated the fights. Not just that several CCTV footages and interviews started going viral proving he may or may not have been innocent all along, but then again no one can point it out yet.
Lawsuits
In a $100m countersuit, Heard’s attorneys claim that Depp is an “obsessed ex-husband hellbent on revenge”, who punched, kicked and sexually assaulted his wife with a vodka bottle.
Rest of the Case
Establishing that Depp was provoked does not in itself provide a defence to abuse. “Depp has to combat allegations that he is the abuser in order for the statements to be false,” Lau said.
“Establishing provocation could help to undermine the credibility of the other party.” At some point before Heard has an opportunity to present her side of the story to the jury, Depp will take the stand. “Amber Heard is not the star of this drama, though she might like to be,” said Hollywood lawyer and commentator Allison Hope Weiner. “When he goes on the stand, it’s him. It’s going to be a hard act to follow. He’s going to be very likable. “Those movie stars are
professionally charming, and even when you steel yourself against liking them, when they want you to like them, you like them.”
Published by: Aditya Negi
Edited by: Khushi Thakur
