will ‘go to his grave knowing that whatever he does there will always be people who believe he abused a woman’, a court has been told as his hearing against began.
The Pirates of the Caribbean star, 58, is suing his ex-wife, 35, for defamation after she wrote an op-ed in the Washington Post, .
The article was published in 2018, with the title: ‘I spoke up against sexual violence — and faced our culture’s wrath. That has to change’.
While it did not mention Depp by name, his lawyers have said that this ‘falsely implies’ that Heard was subjected to abuse during their marriage, with the actor seeking $50million (£39m) in damages.
, in Virgina, his attorneys said that the Aquaman actress was ‘preparing to give the performance of a lifetime’ during the hearing, claiming that their client had been ‘cast as a villain’.
Addressing the jury, Benjamin Chew said, via PA: ‘Some of you might recognise Johnny Depp from his portrayal of such characters as Edward Scissorhands and Captain Jack Sparrow.
‘For over 30 years he has built a career as one of the most talented actors in Hollywood.
‘Today his name is associated with a lie. A false statement uttered by his former wife, Amber Heard.’
He continued that the ‘lie’ had ‘cast Mr Depp as a villain, a man who would violently abuse a woman’
‘This is a case about how devastating words can be. Words matter.’
Camille Vasquez, also representing Depp, added to the court: ‘Mr Depp will go to his grave knowing that whatever he does there will always be people who believe he abused a woman.
‘Ms Heard took on the role of a lifetime, she couldn’t back down.
‘She has been living and breathing this lie for years now. She is preparing to give the performance of a lifetime in this trial.’
The former couple are both attending the trial in person and are due to give evidence in the six-week trial.
Depp has fiercely denied the allegations that he was violent towards his ex, and said that the claims have affected his career, making it difficult for him to get the roles he once did.
In return, Heard has countersued for $100million (£76m), with her lawyers arguing that she should be immune from the suit over the anti-Slapp provision (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation).
The measure ensures immunity from civil liability when it comes to statements regarding matters of public concern – which would be protected under the US constitution’s First Amendment.
Despite both Depp and Heard living in California, the hearing is taking place in Virginia because the Washington Post’s online editions are published through servers located in the area.
The trial continues.
