The recent headlines of Johnny Depp and Amber Heard in a London courthouse have brought domestic violence back into public discourse, but by way of libel. Depp is suing the Sun for defamation for labeling him a “wife beater” in this headline: “Gone Potty: How can JK Rowling be ‘genuinely happy’ casting wife beater Johnny Depp in the new Fantastic Beasts film?” that ran in the tabloid. However, the Sun’s publisher, News Group Newspapers (NGN) defends the reporting as true, due to Depp’s behavior while under the influence of alcohol and drugs at the time of his divorce from Heard. 

So far, the evidence that has been presented includes:

• Depp’s portion of his claim against the newspaper for libel/defamation, which has included his own testimony in addition to some of the witnesses for his side.
• The attending officer found the scene to be ordinary, nothing was broken.
• The officer testified that Heard’s face was red from crying, and did not appear to be from an injury.
• Depp has testified for having drug and alcohol issues at that time and has broken items in the home, but it appears the court is yet to see any evidence of physical violence against Heard.  

The trial continues. 

It’s expected that Heard will be called to testify by the defense and will likely include more witnesses before the end of the trial.

The question is whether the newspaper defamed Depp in their reporting;  it is a civil lawsuit in which Depp is seeking damages from the newspaper. We have stated only a portion of the evidence before the court in the case of Depp v. the Newspaper. Depp has completed his testimony; he was vigorously cross examined by the lawyer representing the Newspaper.  The trial would most likely be continued for another two weeks if not more. 

Our law firm, Hamilton Law Group, has successfully defended our clients who were charged with criminal offences; our firm also represents clients in civil lawsuits including personal injuries and family law matters. 

At Hamilton Law Group, our legal expertise is matched by our compassion and empathy. If you are seeking to speak to a lawyer about your civil claim,  or you’re dealing with assault charges, or any other criminal offence, contact us today for a private legal consultation. Call 604-229-2077 or info@hamiltonlawgroup.ca