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Depp finishes 4 days on stand; filed lawsuit to 'fight back'

Depp Heard Lawsuit
Posted at 10:28 AM, Apr 25, 2022
and last updated 2022-04-25 18:11:07-04

FAIRFAX, Va. (AP) — Actor Johnny Depp has concluded a grueling four days on the witness stand in his libel suit against his ex-wife.

In testimony Monday in a Fairfax, Virginia, courtroom, Depp told jurors in a calm voice that he filed his suit against ex-wife Amber Heard because it was his best chance to reclaim his reputation.

Just hours earlier they heard audio clips of him shouting vulgarities at his wife and warning of a "bloodbath" if their arguments escalate.

During the audio recording, Depp could be heard saying that if he didn't walk away, it would be "a bloodbath like it was on the island."

As Depp sat on the witness stand, he winced as the clip played while his ex-wife appeared to fight back tears.

He told jurors that Heard has falsely portrayed him as a domestic abuser.

Heard's lawyers continued their onslaught of questions, focusing on Depp's drinking, drug use, and charged interactions with the actress.

Jurors have also been shown the texts Depp sent to friends regarding his drinking, drug use, and interactions with his then-wife.

Depp is suing Heard for libel over a 2018 op-ed piece she wrote in The Washington Post about domestic abuse.

The piece doesn't name Depp, but his attorneys say the implications are defamatory.

Heard's attorneys argue that Depp physically and sexually abused Heard.

Depp, who has denied ever abusing Heard, has said she abused drugs and often attacked him violently.

He also added that although he acknowledged taking many drugs, accusations that he has a drug addiction are “grossly embellished."