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Amber Heard in the courtroom
The therapists of actor Johnny Depp and his ex-wife, actress Amber Heard, have revealed “mutual abuse” between the two during the final months of their stormy marriage.
Doctor Laurel Anderson’s video testimony was presented to the judges, on the third day of the trial in the defamation case, in which Depp is seeking $50 million in damages.
Johnny is suing his ex-wife over an article she wrote in 2018, in which she described herself as a victim of domestic violence. He has denied any wrongdoing.
He described the unnamed article as defamatory.
In return, Heard filed a counterclaim, claiming $100 million in damages.
Anderson’s testimony was presented to the jury on Thursday, and said she met the couple in several therapy sessions between October and December 2015.
Amber Heard filed for divorce in May 2016 following just 15 months of marriage.
Anderson said both had threatened to leave the sessions amid an argument.
She added that during sessions that Depp missed, Heard spoke of being physically assaulted by her then-husband. She testified that Heard came into her office on one occasion and had several small bruises on her face.
She added that Heard had repeatedly reacted violently to preventing her husband from leaving the hearings.
The therapist said that Heard repeatedly interrupted Depp during the sessions, and that her tone was loud.
During her testimony, Anderson spoke regarding Heard and Depp’s history of domestic violence. She said Heard was beaten by her father, while Depp was beaten by his mother.
Anderson said Johnny Depp had been “in control” for decades before meeting Heard.
“They engaged in what I saw as mutual abuse,” Anderson continued.
The jury heard the accounts of both defense teams of the couple’s relationship.
Amber Heard’s team portrayed her ex-husband as a psychologically and physically abusive partner, heavy drinker and drug abuser.
Depp’s team presented Heard’s allegations of domestic violence as a “hoax” and a calculated plan to destroy his reputation.
Kate James, Amber Heard’s former personal assistant, also testified on Thursday regarding what she claims happened when she asked Heard at the time for a raise.
She said, “I jumped [هيرد] She rose from her chair and placed her face regarding four inches from my face. She would spit in my face, telling me how dare you ask me what salary you are asking for.”
The trial, being broadcast live, is expected to last at least six weeks, and will feature a number of high-profile witnesses, including James Franco, Paul Bettany and Elon Musk.