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The ongoing defamation trial between ex-spouses Johnny Depp and Amber Heard is being closely watched — not just by members of the public, but other celebrities as well.
Depp is suing Heard for $50m (£38.2m). He alleges that Heard implied he abused her in a 2018 Washington Post op-ed about domestic violence.
Heard is filing a $100million (£80.9million) counterclaim accusing Depp of organizing a “defamation campaign” against her and calling his lawsuit a continuation of “abuse and harassment”.
You can follow the latest updates from the Depp v Heard study here.
As the proceedings progressed — and Depp’s previous legal battle against The sun – A number of prominent celebrities have offered their take on the couple, with Heard receiving public support from many.
But others have also spoken out for Depp, including his ex-partner Winona Ryder, Javier Bardem and Sia.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the biggest names speaking out for Depp, and what exactly they said…
Winona Ryder
While Depp was involved in a case against the British newspaper The sun for defamation after an article called him a “wife beater,” his ex-partner and Edward with the scissor hands Co-star Ryder issued a statement in his defense.
“The notion that he’s an incredibly violent person is the furthest thing from the Johnny I knew and loved,” she said.
“He was never, never violent towards me. He’s never been violent or abusive towards anyone I’ve seen.”
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Javier Bardem
Bardem worked with Depp on the 2000 film Before the night falls and 2017 Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales.
In 2020, he assisted the actor in the defamation trial, writing in documents seen by People Magazine: “I love Johnny. He was always a true gentleman and an extremely generous and caring friend to my family and me.
“In addition, I had the gift of working with him twice and witnessed his respectful attitude towards each and every member of the crew as well as his unique and hilarious sense of humor.”
He added: “I stand by Johnny because I have always seen and felt in him a truly caring and loving man – an extraordinary and unique artist who listened to anyone who needed his help. Not only do I love Johnny, I respect him deeply and thank him for being the free and carefree little boy he is in his art and the mature and loving man he is in the lives of others – always there when we need him.”
Bardem claimed that Depp is a “good person” who is “trapped in the lies and manipulations of toxic beings.”
Penelope Cruz
Actress Penélope Cruz, who is married to Bardem and co-starred with Depp Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tidesalso filed a deposit in support of Depp.
She wrote that Depp treated her with “sweetness, protection and kindness” during her time pirateswhen she was pregnant.
“I’ve seen Johnny in so many situations and he’s always kind to everyone around me. He’s one of the most generous people I know,” she said.
her
Musician Sia shared her support for Depp in a tweet, writing, “Just showing my public support for Johnny Depp.
“I mean, I’d like to clean him up and stop the jewelry, but he’s clearly the victim after hearing those tapes.”
Eve Green
French actress Eva Green who worked with Depp in 2012 dark shadowsShe shared an Instagram post in support of Depp during the US defamation trial.
“I have no doubt that Johnny’s good name and beautiful heart will be revealed to the world and life will be better than ever for him and his family,” she wrote in the caption.
Vanessa paradise
French singer-songwriter Vanessa Paradis, another former partner of Depp, offered written support to the actor during his 2020 defamation case in the UK.
“I have known Johnny for more than 25 years. We have been partners for 14 years and raised our two children together,” she wrote. “Over the years I have come to know Johnny as a kind, caring, generous and non-violent person and father.
“On film sets, actors, directors and entire crews adore him because he is humble and respectful of everyone and is one of the best actors we have ever seen. I am aware of the allegations that Amber Heard has publicly accused Johnny of for more than four years.
“This is nothing like the real Johnny I know and from my many years of personal experience I can say he has never been violent or abusive to me. I saw that these outrageous statements were really disturbing and also damaged his career because unfortunately people continued to believe these false facts.”
If you or someone you know has been affected by domestic violence, you can call the 24-hour Domestic Violence Helpline operated by Refuge on 0808 2000 247 or visit their website here.