On stand, Heard begs Depp: `Leave me alone'
Amber Heard told jurors Thursday that a harassment campaign waged against her by ex-husband Johnny Depp has left her humiliated and scared for her life from multiple death threats and said she just wants “Johnny to leave me alone.” Heard was the Heard final witness in the six-week libel trial Depp brought against his ex-wife. With cameras in the courtroom, millions of people have followed the trial, and interest seemed to gain momentum as the weeks went on and both Depp and Heard testified about the ugly details of their relationship. Online and at the courthouse, Depp's fans have overwhelmingly dominated the narrative, with groupies lining up overnight to get one of the few spots in the courtroom and wave at Depp as he walks in and out. Heard has been booed by spectators on the street as she enters and leaves the courthouse.
“The harassment and the humiliation, the campaign against me that's echoed every single day on social media, and now in front of cameras in the showroom — every single day I have to relive the trauma,” Heard said as she fought back tears. “Perhaps it's easy to forget I'm a human being.” On cross-examination, Depp lawyer Camille Vasquez told Heard that “your lies have been exposed to the world” and questioned her about people who contradicted portions of her accounts.
“I know how many people will come out of the woodwork to be in support of Johnny,” Heard responded.
Jurors will hear closing arguments today.
DeGeneres ends show with plea for compassion
Ellen DeGeneres brought her nearly two-decade daytime talk show to an end Thursday with a celebrity lovefest and a forceful assertion of her achievement as a gay woman daring to be herself.
DeGeneres and guests Jennifer Aniston, Billie Eilish and Pink shared memories and affection as “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” concluded its Emmy-winning, 3,200-plus episode run that began in September 2003.
The comedian, actor and producer has said she'll take time to consider her next career move, but first she and her wife are making a trip to Rwanda.
DeGeneres wrapped her daytime show with a plea to her audience, one she said was worth repeating.
“If I've done anything in the past 19 years, I hope I've inspired you to be yourself, your true authentic self. And if someone is brave enough to tell you who they are, be brave enough to support them, even if you don't understand,” DeGeneres said. “By opening your heart and your mind, you're going to be that much more compassionate, and compassion is what makes the world a better place.”