Johnny Depp and Amber Heard’s highly publicized 2022 defamation court case garnered global attention. Throughout the proceedings, the Pirates of the Caribbean actor notably avoided looking directly at his former wife.
The recent Netflix documentary series, “Depp v. Heard,” sheds light on the real reason behind this behavior. The documentary, spanning three episodes, delves into Depp’s $50 million lawsuit against Heard. This legal action stemmed from a 2018 Washington Post article where Heard discussed facing backlash after speaking out against sexual violence.
Depp’s legal team argued that although the article didn’t name him explicitly, its implications painted him as the perpetrator of the alleged abuse Heard endured. During the trial, which spanned several weeks, Heard accused Depp of physical abuse and detailed instances where she claimed he left her with bruises.
Throughout the courtroom proceedings, Depp conspicuously avoided making eye contact with Heard, a fact highlighted by his lawyer, Camille Vasquez, during cross-examination. Vasquez pointedly noted Depp’s deliberate lack of engagement with Heard, contrasting it with Heard’s attempts to catch his eye.
Addressing Heard on the stand, Vasquez asserted, “Mr. Depp hasn’t looked at you once this entire trial, has he?” Heard replied, “Not that I’ve noticed, no.”
Vasquez proceeded to reference a recorded conversation from 2016, where Depp had stated, “We won’t have to see each other again. You will not see my eyes again.” Heard acknowledged Depp’s refusal to make eye contact, stating, “As far as I know, he cannot look at me.”
Analysts, including Julie Grant from Court TV, scrutinized Depp’s demeanor during the trial, interpreting his avoidance of eye contact as potentially indicative of guilt. Grant commented, “His consistent avoidance of eye contact raised concerns.”
Ultimately, the trial concluded with the jury ruling in favor of Depp, awarding him $15 million in damages from Heard.
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