Watch live as testimony continues for Johnny Depp defamation case against Amber Heard
The trial for Johnny Depp’s defamation lawsuit against former wife, Amber Heard, has adjourned until Monday after a third day of testimony in Virginia.
On Thursday, witness Gina Deuters, a friend of Depp’s, had her testimony struck from the record and was dismissed after admitting she had seen clips of the trial online. Instead video evidence from Dr David Kipper who treated the actor for addiction was played.
Earlier, recorded depositions were shown from Heard’s former assistant Kate James, and the couple’s marriage counsellor Dr Laurel Anderson who detailed their “mutual abuse”.
Depp claims a 2018 article about domestic violence towards women, written by Heard, implied he was an abuser during their relationship. Although she did not name him, lawyers claim her allegations have made it difficult for the actor to land movie roles.
He is asking for $50m (£38.2m) in damages during the trial in Fairfax County’s district courthouse. Heard has filed a counterclaim against Depp for nuisance.
Depp has previously lost a defamation case in the UK againstThe Sun about the same article by Heard.
Couple’s former marriage counselor says couple engaged in ‘mutual abuse’
Johnny Depp and Amber Heard’s former marriage counselor told a courtroom the couple engaged in what she saw as “mutual abuse”.
Dr Laurel Anderson was called as a witness on Thursday (14 April) as part of the defamation trial opposing Depp and Heard in Fairfax, Virginia. She was asked about some of her past sessions with the pair.
Clémence Michallon reports.
Oliver O’Connell14 April 2022 22:45
Court adjourned until Monday
Judge Penney Azcarate gives an extensive reminder to the jury that they cannot research, read, or speak about the trial in any way over their three-day weekend break.
She also reminds Depp and Heard not to give interviews or post on social media regarding the trial.
Court is adjourned until Monday.
Judge Penney Azcarate confers with lawyers representing Johnny Depp and Amber Heard
(POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Oliver O’Connell14 April 2022 22:08
In pictures: Today in court
Depp in court with his legal team this morning
(EPA)
Amber Heard, right, and attorney Elaine Bredehoft, watch video testimony of Heard’s former personal assistant Kate James
(AP)
Gina Deuters, friend of Johnny Depp. Her testimony was struck from the record and she was dismissed after admitting to watching clips of the trial online
(EPA)
Amber Heard confers with her legal team
(REUTERS)
Oliver O’Connell14 April 2022 21:59
Dr Kipper describes the March 2015 incident in Australia in which Depp lost the top of his finger. The actor texted him to tell him what happened.
When he arrived at the property he says Depp was coherent, but the house was a mess and the couple had been fighting.
He adds that Heard was also coherent in the aftermath.
Oliver O’Connell14 April 2022 21:52
As Dr Kipper treated Depp, several times the actor fired him and wanted to stop taking all medications prescribed to treat his addictions.
He would grow angry at Heard for insisting he take his medication.
Dr Kipper’s nurse once found Depp with bloody knuckles after hitting a wall in frustration or anger. On another occasion he kicked in a trailer door on a movie set.
Oliver O’Connell14 April 2022 21:31
Dr Kipper talks about his notes from meetin with Depp who he says was trying to detox from multiple drugs.
These include: alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, and cocaine.
Oliver O’Connell14 April 2022 20:46
New witness: Dr David Kipper
The next witness is Dr David Kipper who has been practicing medicine since 1977 and provides concierge healthcare — wealthy patients pay an annual fee for 24/7 access to a doctor.
Dr Kipper works in addiction and published a book, The Addiction Solution.
He appears by pre-recorded video deposition.
Dr David Kipper testifies at the defamation trial of Amber Heard
(Law & Crime)
Oliver O’Connell14 April 2022 20:32
The jury is brought back in and told to disregard all of Gina Deuters’ testimony.
Oliver O’Connell14 April 2022 20:28
The court has reconvened after a conference at the bench with Judge Azcarate involving six attorneys.
The jury has not been brought back in yet.
Oliver O’Connell14 April 2022 20:22
The jury is asked to step out and Ms Deuters is asked if she has watched any of the trial this week.
She admits to having seen clips online and Judge Azcarate excuses her and strikes her testimony from record.
The court is now in its afternoon recess.
Oliver O’Connell14 April 2022 19:56