Johnny Depp ‘s “jealousy, addictions and misogyny” led to “violent explosions” followed by “embarrassment” and “apologies”, a court heard today.
Depp, 57, is suing News Group Newspapers for libel over a story published in The Sun in 2018 which branded him a “wife beater” – a claim which he strenuously denies.
The case continued at London’s High Court today with closing arguments, with the trial set to conclude tomorrow.
His ex-wife Amber Heard, 34, is back at court today, while Depp will not be back until tomorrow.
Sasha Wass, QC, for NGN, is making closing statements today and she told the court Depp suffered “irrational mood swings and abnormal behavioural patterns” due to his intake of drink and drugs.
Ms Wass went on to say he may not have “been aware of his terrifying behaviour… Which on at least one occasional put Ms Heard in fear of her life”.
The court heard he was a “hopeless addict” whose own doctor said “romanticised the whole drug culture”.
Depp was “kind, charming and generous” when he was clean and sober but became “very different” when under the influence of drink and drugs.
Ms Wass said Depp created a “misogynistic persona of her as the stereotype of a nagging woman” and painted her as a “gold digger, a shrew and an adulterer.”
She said: “Alcohol and narcotics brought out the monster in Mr Depp” in the form of violent explosions” followed by “embarrassment” and “apologies”.
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The court then heard “jealousy” was at the heart of many of his outbursts, including rows over Heard’s relationship with fellow actor James Franco.
Heard has denied cheating with Franco, but Depp previously told the court he was convinced the claim was true.
During the trial Depp denied he’d ever been violent towards his ex-wife and claimed she’d been abusive towards him during their relationship.
Lawyers for NGN are defending their case based on Heard’s 14 allegations of abuse, which include claims of bust-ups between 2013 and 2016.
The trial is set to conclude tomorrow, although no ruling is expected immediately.
If Depp is successful in his claim, the judge will have to decide what level of compensation he should receive.