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Amber Heard‘s and Johnny Depp’s trial is coming to an end, and we could witness some key moments that will make all the difference in the jury’s decision.
On Tuesday, May 17, Camille Vasquez, Depp’s lawyer, put Heard on the spot with uncomfortable questions that undermined the actress’ credibility.
“Would you give a huge hunting knife to someone you are afraid of, and who assaults you?” asked Vasquez to Heard during her cross-examination.
The actress claims that Depp was an aggressive abuser, capable of raping her with a bottle and assaulting her repeatedly. Meanwhile, the Pirates of the Caribbean star claimed that he was the victim of a marriage in which Heard was the aggressor.
This is a civil lawsuit in which both are accusing each other of defamation. However, over the days, it has escalated into accusations of physical and psychological violence and drug consumption.
Depp filed the lawsuit claiming $50 million for an article published in The Washington Post in which Heard presented herself as a victim of abuse. Heard responded with a counterclaim because she considers herself a victim, and is claiming $100 million. The jury will have to determine which amounts belong to whom.
The trial is scheduled to conclude on May 27, after potential witnesses are called to the stand to testify on behalf of both, Heard and Depp. Once the attorneys for both sides present their closing arguments, the jury will deliberate.
Key moments so far
Johnny Depp’s legal team accused Amber Heard of using drugs, beating him, and manipulating photographs that the actress used as evidence of alleged abuse. In addition, Depp’s defense has sought to show that the actress’ counterclaim and her accusations are due to a possible lack of money.
Last Monday, May 16, Vasquez made Heard acknowledge that she has yet to pay the $7 million she received from the divorce, which the actress pledged to donate to a charity.
On Tuesday, May 17, Depp’s attorney had an officer leave the courthouse with an oversized knife that matched a 2012 gift from Heard to Depp, on which was engraved the Spanish phrase “Hasta la muerte.”
Previously, Vasquez had gotten Heard to claim that Depp allegedly assaulted her as far back as 2012, so when the officer showed her the knife, her words were, “This is the knife you gave to the man who would get drunk and violent with you?”
Vasquez tried to corner Heard about a fight between the couple in Australia, where most accusations (including chopping Depp’s fingertip) take place.
At the trial, Depp’s lawyer tried to get Heard to establish a sequence of events, but the actress failed to provide direct answers.
In addition, jurors were shown an excerpt from a diary Heard described as “love notes,” in which she appears to have apologized to Depp: “I’m sorry I hurt you,” she wrote. “I can get wicked when I’m hurt.”
Vasquez made Heard admit that at times she also used drugs, the very thing she has accused Depp of throughout the trial. The lawyer showed an exchange of messages in which Heard wrote: “Hey baby, bring up something to drink and or a joint, I’m in if you are.” Vasquez also accused Heard of editing a photo to make it look like she had a heavy red mark on her face.
Depp’s defense team showed photographs of Amber Heard taken immediately after the alleged attacks, in which she does not appear to have any after-effects or marks on her face or body. Heard replied that she had used ice to reduce the swelling and covered the injuries with makeup.
What can happen at the end of the trial?
According to media analysts broadcasting the trial, neither of the plaintiffs will face a jail sentence. However, both parties know that there is a possibility that neither of them will receive compensation.
If Heard is not found guilty, Johnny Depp will have to cover her legal costs, since he was the one who initiated the legal dispute.
Sabrina Martín Rondon is a Venezuelan journalist. Her source is politics and economics. She is a specialist in corporate communications and is committed to the task of dismantling the supposed benefits of socialism // Sabrina Martín Rondon es periodista venezolana. Su fuente es la política y economía. Es especialista en comunicaciones corporativas y se ha comprometido con la tarea de desmontar las supuestas bondades del socialismo