Depp’s grins and sniggers may tip jury against him

THE week’s break in Johnny Depp’s defamation case gives the protagonists time to take stock – as well as those of us with the stomach to follow the courtroom allegations.

The case may hinge on whether Depp is guilty of domestic violence, but the source of their troubles seems to be their drug-addled existence and the nonstop partying, which set two damaged people at each other’s throats. Amber’s critics say she lacks credibility, and while her face is wreathed in agony, there are no tears.

With or without tears, it’s clear she is not enjoying herself while at times Depp seems almost in his element. Even when their paths almost crossed as she was escorted out of the courtroom, he seemed untroubled, jaunty even, while she visibly recoiled in horror. The gap, real or performed, in their attitudes is striking.

Both their reputations are being destroyed. As they relive their hellish union, their most depraved actions and sordid secrets are held up to excruciating public scrutiny. What exactly has Johnny got to smile about?

A not off-the-wall conclusion may be that he’s actually enjoying the humiliation of Mizz Heard, as he calls her, and his satisfaction is worth the potential cost to him. Such an inexhaustible appetite for causing suffering can be a sign of an abuser. In the final analysis it might be that for all their testimonies of sexual and physical violence, the tape recordings, disgusting text messages and photographs of Johnny spreadeagled after another bender, it is his courtroom grins and sniggers that most persuade the jury.