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       Johnny Depp and Amber Heard arrive at the High Court as libel hearing continues

       Opening statements are underway in Johnny Depp’s multi-million defamation lawsuit against his former wife, Amber Heard, which began in Virginia on Monday morning with jury selection.

       Seven jurors and four alternates were picked to hear the case. He claims a 2018 article written by Heard in The Washington Post – in which she spoke about domestic violence towards women – implied Depp, her former husband, was an abuser.

       Although the 35-year-old did not name the actor, lawyers for Depp say Heard’s allegations have made it difficult for the 58-year-old to land roles he previously did.

       Depp is known for starring in films such as Pirates of the Caribbean, Sweeny Todd and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Heard has appeared in titles including Aquaman and Drive Angry.

       He is asking for $50m (￡38.2m) in damages during the trial in Fairfax County’s district courthouse. Heard has meanwhile filed a counterclaim of defamation against Depp, who she divorced from in 2017, for nuisance.

       Depp has previously lost a defamation case in the UK against British newspaperThe Sun regarding the claims in Heard’s 2018 article.

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       Rottenborn says the case is about the first amendment and Heard’s right to write what she did.

       He adds that the context of the piece matters and the jury should read the whole article and not just the three phrases highlighted by Depp’s team.

       He is now reading the article to the jury.

       Oliver O'Connell 12 April 2022 16:10

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       The opening statement from Heard’s team is now underway, with lawyer Ben Rottenborn beginning by reminding the jury that the case is not about the soap opera elements, but about whether Depp can prove that the words Heard used were about him and were false.

       Oliver O'Connell 12 April 2022 16:07

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       In one example of the alleged violence perpetrated by Heard against Depp, lawyer Camille Vasquez alleges there was an incident in which a vodka bottle was thrown severing the end of Depp’s finger.

       Oliver O'Connell 12 April 2022 16:05

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       Judge calls morning recess as Depp’s legal team finishes their opening statement.

       Oliver O'Connell 12 April 2022 15:52

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       Heard is being characterised by the plaintiff’s legal team as a compulsive liar who covers up one lie with another and used the allegations against Depp to advance her own career and portray herself as a heroic and innocent survivor of abuse.

       Depp’s team acknowledge his use of drugs and alcohol but that does not make him an abuser.

       Oliver O'Connell 12 April 2022 15:44

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       Johnny Depp will testify in the defamation trial.

       Oliver O'Connell 12 April 2022 15:39

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       Actor Johnny Depp walks into the courtroom at the Fairfax County Circuit Court 12 April 2022

       (AP)

       Actress Amber Heard inside the courtroom at the Fairfax County Circuit Court 12 April 2022

       (AP)

       Oliver O'Connell 12 April 2022 15:38

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       Depp’s legal team says that the evidence supports aggressive behaviour by Heard towards Depp and not the other way around, and testimony will reflect that.

       Oliver O'Connell 12 April 2022 15:35

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       Depp’s team are also emphasising his childhood growing up with an abusive mother and that his sister will testify.

       His dating life and long-term relationships are also referenced including Winona Ryder, Kate Moss, and his 14-year relationship with Vanessa Paradis.

       They say that Heard is a “profoundly troubled person” who manipulates those around her and was often angry, taunting Depp who would retreat to get away from her, often into bathrooms as she screamed and chased him.

       When they travelled his team would often book a separate room for him to retreat to when she became aggressive.

       Oliver O'Connell 12 April 2022 15:29

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       Depp’s lawyers say there was no evidence of physical abuse and police officers who responded to a call placed by Heard will testify to that.

       Oliver O'Connell 12 April 2022 15:25

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