Johnny Depp is expected to return to the helm in his defamation lawsuit against his ex-wife Amber Heard, his representatives announced on Saturday.
Heard’s legal team is expected to call Depp as a third witness on Monday, his reps said. Additional witness updates for the rest of the week were forthcoming, they said.
Representatives for Depp declined to comment on Saturday.
Depp is suing Heard for $50 million in damages over an op-ed she wrote for The Washington Post in 2018 in which she described surviving domestic violence — without mentioning Depp by name.
He testified in the case in April and drew attention by claiming Heard was the abuser in the relationship. She, in turn, attempted to portray Depp as willing to use violence and influence to silence her.
Depp said he had never hit a woman; Heard said she was only physical with Depp in self-defense or to protect her younger sister from her alleged assault.
It’s unclear what line of questions Depp could face on Monday.
The two actors, who split in 2016, traded allegations of physical altercations and substance abuse throughout the trial. And both say the other’s public statements have impacted their business.
Heard has filed a countersuit that includes a request for $100 million in damages. She says her article for the Washington Post is protected by the First Amendment.
The trial, which began April 11, is being held in Fairfax County, Virginia. The judge ordered closing arguments to begin on Friday.
If you or someone you know is dealing with domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline for help at (800) 799-SAFE (7233), or go to www.thehotline.org for more. States also often have domestic violence hotlines.
