Welcome to Law & Crime’s Sidebar podcast, where we break down the day’s most captivating moments from high-profile trials. And today, all eyes are on the explosive defamation trial of Johnny Depp versus Amber Heard.
This trial is making waves across the globe, with millions tuning in to witness the unfolding drama. Depp is suing Heard for a staggering $50 million, alleging that a 2018 op-ed she penned for The Washington Post irreparably damaged his reputation. In the piece, Heard, without naming Depp directly, described herself as a public figure representing domestic abuse.
The timeline traces back to 2016 when, days after filing for divorce, Heard obtained a domestic violence restraining order against Depp. Depp, however, vehemently denies these claims, stating that he was not the abuser but the victim in their tumultuous relationship. Heard has retaliated with a $100 million countersuit, asserting that Depp orchestrated a smear campaign against her.
Day 9 of the trial began with compelling testimony from Tara Roberts, who has managed Depp’s private island in the Bahamas for 15 years. Roberts first met Heard in 2013, initially perceiving the couple as happy and in love.
However, Roberts revealed that this image of marital bliss began to crumble with each subsequent visit. The once-relaxed island atmosphere became increasingly strained, marked by escalating demands and a palpable tension.
Roberts recounted a chilling argument she overheard between Depp and Heard in December 2015. The couple was staying at Depp’s island residence, and the altercation escalated to a point where Roberts heard Heard accusing Depp of being a “washed-up actor” fated to die a “lonely, fat, old man.” The situation further deteriorated with accusations of physical violence, including Heard allegedly striking Depp with a can.
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Roberts’s testimony continued, describing a frantic scene as Depp attempted to retreat from the escalating conflict. Heard, according to Roberts, clung to Depp, pleading with him to return to the house while professing her love. Despite her attempts to reconcile, Depp remained unresponsive to her pleas.
The aftermath of the argument, as Roberts described, painted a picture of chaos and destruction. Paint supplies were strewn across the property, a can of what appeared to be paint thinner had leaked onto the deck, and a palpable sense of unease lingered in the air.
During cross-examination, Heard’s lawyer, Elaine Bredehoft, aimed to discredit Roberts’s testimony, drawing attention to her $120,000 annual salary paid by Depp. The insinuation was clear: Bredehoft sought to portray Roberts as biased and motivated by financial gain.
Bredehoft further pressed Roberts on the details of the December 2015 altercation, highlighting Roberts’s absence during key moments and casting doubt on her recollection of events.
Elaine Bredehoft questions a witness during the Johnny Depp and Amber Heard defamation trial
Roberts also faced a barrage of questions regarding Heard and Depp’s drinking habits. She characterized Heard’s drinking as moderate, typically consisting of wine in the afternoon or with dinner. Depp, on the other hand, was described as having periods of sobriety punctuated by times of alcohol consumption, with Roberts noting his high tolerance.
While initially stating she had never seen Depp pass out from drinking, Roberts, under cross-examination, recounted an incident where she found Depp in a hammock that had overturned. She described him as seemingly passed out and recalled helping him up and brushing him off.
Following Roberts’s impactful testimony, the trial took another turn with the appearance of Dr. Shannon Curry, a forensic psychologist hired by Depp’s legal team. Curry provided her expert opinion on Heard’s mental health, based on approximately 12 hours of interviews conducted over two separate occasions in December 2021.
Dr. Curry’s assessment led her to diagnose Heard with two conditions: borderline personality disorder and histrionic personality disorder. She went on to explain the characteristics of these disorders, noting a pattern of manipulative behavior, a constant need for attention and approval, and a tendency to push away those closest to them.
Curry also shed light on her evaluation process, highlighting Heard’s tendency to minimize personal issues and a pattern of externalizing blame. This, according to Curry, pointed to a deep-seated inner hostility and a propensity for self-righteousness, despite Heard’s attempts to present herself as non-judgmental and accepting.
Dr. Shannon Curry exits the Fairfax County Courthouse after testifying on Day 9 of the Johnny Depp and Amber Heard defamation trial
Bredehoft, in a strategic move, questioned the circumstances surrounding Curry’s hiring, painting a picture of a potentially biased expert swayed by Depp’s influence. She emphasized that Curry’s initial interview took place at Depp’s home, where dinner and drinks were served, and implied that Curry might have been starstruck by the Hollywood actor.
Bredehoft further challenged Curry’s diagnosis by pointing out that Depp had previously labeled Heard with borderline personality disorder in a 2016 recording. She also highlighted statements from Heard’s previous therapists, who believed Heard’s accounts of abuse and expressed concerns for her well-being.
Depp’s lawyers, during redirect examination, allowed Curry to clarify the distinction between providing therapy and conducting a forensic evaluation. Curry emphasized that a therapist advocates for their client’s well-being, leading to an inherent bias, whereas a forensic examiner focuses solely on data analysis.
The final witness to take the stand on Day 9 was Melissa Saenz, an officer with the Los Angeles Police Department. Saenz was one of the officers who responded to a call at Depp and Heard’s penthouse on May 21, 2016.
This date holds particular significance as it marks the night Depp and his security team arrived at the penthouse to retrieve his belongings, signaling the end of the couple’s relationship. Heard alleges that during this encounter, Depp assaulted her, throwing a phone at her face and leaving a visible mark.
Officer Saenz, however, testified that she found no evidence of a crime and did not observe any injuries on Heard that would indicate domestic violence. She did, however, note that Heard’s face appeared flushed, which she attributed to crying.
Saenz also described Heard as uncooperative, recalling Heard’s claim that she had merely had an argument with her husband. Saenz ultimately left her business card with Heard, advising her to call back if she wished to file a report.
Day 9 of the Depp-Heard trial provided a captivating glimpse into the complexities of this high-profile case. With more witnesses, including police officers present at the May 2016 penthouse incident, set to testify, and Heard expected to take the stand next week, the world waits with bated breath for the next chapter in this gripping legal drama to unfold.
