By Lisa Richwine
Actor Johnny Depp concluded his testimony on Monday in the defamation case he filed against ex-wife Amber Heard, saying he was the victim of domestic violence in their relationship and was “broken” by the time their marriage fell apart.
Depp’s fourth day on the witness stand in a Virginia court ended with his attorneys playing audio from a conversation that took place after Heard had secured a restraining order against him in 2016.
The “Pirates of the Caribbean” star said he agreed to Heard’s request to meet in a San Francisco hotel room because he thought she might retract her accusation that he had abused her.
In the recording, Depp proposed that the couple issue a joint letter saying they loved each other and the media had created a storm around them. The suggestion was an attempt to find a “peaceful settlement,” Depp said.
Heard, known for her role in “Aquaman,” resisted the idea and challenged him to go public with his claim that he was the one who had suffered abuse. “Tell the world, Johnny,” she said. “Tell them I, Johnny Depp – a man – I’m a victim too of domestic violence.”
Depp said he responded: “Yes, I am.”
The 58-year-old actor is suing Heard, 36, for $50 million. Heard has counter-sued for $100 million, saying Depp smeared her by calling her a liar.
In another audio clip from the San Francisco meeting, Depp threatened to cut himself with a knife.
“That’s psychologically, emotionally where I was,” he said. “At the end, I was broken … I thought the only answer is here, take my blood, that’s all I’ve got left.”
The case hinges on a December 2018 opinion piece in the Washington Post. The article never mentioned Depp by name, but his lawyer told jurors it was clear Heard was referencing him. The couple’s divorce was finalized in 2017.
