Amber Heard spoke of her pain at having to relive her break up from Johnny Depp as she delivered a speech outside London’s High Court.
Depp, 57, is suing News Group Newspapers (NGN) over a headline in The Sun labelling him a “wife beater” over allegations he was physically abusive to his then-wife Heard.
Depp says the claims are “sick and completely untrue”.
The Pirates of the Caribbean star has said that he was never abusive to his ex-wife and has claimed that she was the abusive one in their relationship.
He’s accused her of putting out a cigarette in his face and throwing a vodka bottle that severed his finger, among other things.
Heard, 34, denies his counter claims.
Speaking outside the High Court , she said: “I travelled here to the UK to testify as a witness to assist the court.
“After obtaining a restraining order in 2016 and finalising my divorce, I just wanted to move on with my life.
“I did not file this law suit and despite its significance, I would have preferred not to be here in court.
“It has been incredibly painful to relive the break up of my relationship, to have my motives, my truth questioned and the most traumatic and intimate details of my life with Johnny shared in court and broadcast to the entire world.
“I stand by my testimony and I now place my faith in British justice. Although I did not bring up this law suit, I am aware of the precious resources being consumed by his litigation and I will be glad to see those resources redirected to more important legal matters, delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I appreciate the dedication, the hard work and support of the defence legal team, as well as my US and UK lawyers. I also wish to extend my thanks to the very diligent and kind court staff and police, who have been so sensitive in ensuring my safety and protection so that I can testify in safety.
“And finally, my heartfelt thanks for all of the tremendous and overwhelming outpouring of support I have received and the many messages from all over the world.
“You have given me so much strength and I send it back to you. Thank you.”