The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Former partners speak in Depp’s favour in libel case
Two of Johnny Depp’s former partners, Winona Ryder and Vanessa Paradis, say he was never violent to them in statements in support of his libel claim against the publisher of The Sun.
The actor, 57, is suing News Group Newspapers (NGN) and executive editor Dan Wootton over an April 2018 article which referred to him as a “wife beater” and alleged he had been violent towards ex-wife Amber Heard, 34.
Ms Paradis’ and Ms Ryder’s statements were released yesterday, the eighth day of the trial at the High Court in London.
In a statement, provided in advance, Ms Paradis, 47, said: “I have known Johnny for more than 25 years. We’ve been partners for 14 years and we raised our two children together.
“Through all these years I’ve known Johnny to be a kind, attentive, generous and non-violent person and father.
“On movie sets the actors, directors and entire crews adore him because he is humble and respectful to everyone.”
Ms Paradis’ statement continued: “I am aware of the allegations which
“Actors, directors and crews adore him because he is humble”
Amber Heard has publicly accused Johnny of for more than four years now.
“This is nothing like the true Johnny I have known, and, from my personal experience of many years, I can say he was never violent or abusive to me.
“I have seen that these outrageous statements have been really distressing.”
Ms Ryder, 48, who was engaged to Mr Depp in the 90s, said in her statement: “I knew Johnny very well years ago. We were together as a couple for four years, and I counted him as my best friend.”
Ms Heard says she was subjected to a “three-day hostage situation” during which Mr Depp drank and took pills in Australia.
Today, the court is hearing from Katherine Kendall, an actress and #MeToo advocate who claims she was “misquoted” in The Sun article, before Ms Heard is due to begin three days of evidence on Monday morning.