LONDON (UK) – Hollywood star Johnny Depp of “Pirates of the Caribbean” fame lost a libel lawsuit against a British tabloid on Monday.
Depp, 57, sued News Group Newspapers, publishers of the Sun, and one of its reporters Dan Woottoon over an article that appeared in 2018 which mentioned that he was violent towards his ex-wife actress Amber Heard, 34. The report also questioned his appearance in the “Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them” franchise.
At London’s Old Bailey in July, judge Andrew Nicol heard evidence from both the actor and his ex-wife about their marriage, alleged affairs, Depp’s hedonistic lifestyle, battle with drink and drugs, and their fights. Both accused the other of violent outbursts.
The duo first met during the shooting of “The Rum Diary” in 2011 and they were married four years later before separating in 2016.
The actor told the court he was not at all violent towards Amber, saying he lost the tip of a finger when she threw a vodka bottle at him during a ferocious fight in Australia.
On the other hand, Amber said Depp would turn into a jealous alter ego, the monster, after indulging in drugs and alcohol, adding that he often threatened to finish her off. She detailed 14 instances of brutal behaviour during which Depp choked, punched, slapped, head-butted and kicked her.
The shocking evidence also contained details such as Amber soiling their bed and Depp dangling one of her dogs out of the window of a moving vehicle.
Despite the fact that the case is between the actor and the publisher, in effect it is the relationship between Depp and his ex-wife which is on trial.
The verdict will tarnish Depp’s reputation and he would have to struggle to land good offers. Amber’s career is also likely to be in the balance.
He has also filed a $50 million defamation lawsuit against Heard in a Virginia court regarding an article she wrote in The Washington Post.