Johnny Depp and Amber Heard arrive at the Supreme Court as the defamation hearing continues
Introductory statements are underway in the multimillion-dollar defamation case against Johnny Depp against his ex-wife Amber Heard, which began in Virginia on Monday morning with the selection of a jury.
Seven jurors and four deputies were elected to hear the case. He claims that a 2018 article written by Hurd in The Washington Post – in which she talks about domestic violence against women – suggests that Depp, her ex-husband, is a rapist.
Although the 35-year-old did not name the actor, Depp’s lawyers say Hurd’s allegations made it difficult for the 58-year-old to get roles he had previously played.
Depp is known for his roles in films such as Pirates of the Caribbean, Sweeney Todd and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Hurd appears in titles including Aquaman and Drive Angry.
He is seeking $ 50 million (£ 38.2 million) in damages during a trial in Fairfax County Court. Hurd, meanwhile, has filed a defamation lawsuit against Depp, whom she divorced in 2017, for annoyance.
Earlier, Depp lost a defamation lawsuit in the United Kingdom against the British newspaper The Sun over allegations in Hurd’s 2018 article.
Key points
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Bredehoft claims that Depp wrote “terrible things” on lampshades, mirrors and countertops, and lists extensive allegations of physical violence and drug use.
Marilyn Manson has been mentioned twice as the person Depp is associated with.
In a particularly shocking moment, Bredehoft says Depp broke into Hurd with a bottle of alcohol.
Behind her, Depp seems to be shaking his head, as if to say no.
The graphic nature of the introductory statement, documenting several alleged incidents of abuse, is alleged to be supported by photographic and documentary evidence.
Oliver O’Connell April 12, 2022 5:05 p.m.
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Bredehoft recounted the first days of the relationship between Depp and Hurd and the alleged first incident of abuse.
Depp can be seen behind her, who seems very skeptical of the description given by Hurd’s lawyer.
Oliver O’Connell April 12, 2022 4:53 p.m.
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The main thing for the defense’s arguments is that the alleged problems in Depp’s career were not caused by the article written by Hurd, but rather because of his own destructive behavior.
Oliver O’Connell April 12, 2022 4:48 p.m.
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Elaine Bredehoft, another of Hurd’s lawyers, spoke, refuting allegations by Depp’s lawyer, Camille Vazquez, about editing photos and listing an extensive list of evidence they plan to present.
She now portrays Amber Heard as the lesser-known of the two at the center of the trial.
Oliver O’Connell April 12, 2022 4:46 p.m.
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Hurd will testify during the trial and talk about alleged sexual abuse of her by Depp.
Rothenborn says Depp must prove the damage against him. He says her allegations have affected his career, but her lawyer says his career has fallen into disrepair because of his drinking and drugs.
He also refutes the story of the vodka bottle and says that Depp lost consciousness for three days during their stay in Australia – an example of his alleged unreliability as an actor.
Depp’s bad behavior, poor choices and drinking have made many people suffer because of his refusal to take responsibility for his actions, says Hurd’s lawyer.
Oliver O’Connell April 12, 2022 16:36
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Rottenborn asks these words that Amber wrote. Are they protected by the First Amendment? And the answer is very clear yes.
He claims that Hurd never mentioned Depp by name or specific examples of abuse in the Washington Post article.
He says that is not the purpose of the article and she made her lawyer review it for this reason before publishing.
Rothenborn asks why Depp is not suing The Post. He says he only went after Hurd to “ruin her life, destroy her.”
Oliver O’Connell April 12, 2022 16:21
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Oliver O’Connell April 12, 2022 16:13
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Rothenborn says the case is about the first amendment and Hurd’s right to write what she did.
He adds that the context of the song matters and the jury should read the whole article, not just the three phrases highlighted by Depp’s team.
He is now reading the article to the jury.
Oliver O’Connell April 12, 2022 4:10 p.m.
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An inaugural statement from Hurd’s team is under way, with attorney Ben Rothenborn beginning by reminding the jury that the case is not about the elements of the soap opera, but about whether Depp can prove that the words Hurd used are for him and are fake.
Oliver O’Connell April 12, 2022 4:07 p.m.
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In an example of alleged violence committed by Hurd against Depp, lawyer Camille Vazquez claims that there was an incident in which a bottle of vodka was thrown and cut off Depp’s fingertip.
Oliver O’Connell April 12, 2022 4:05 p.m.
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