Warning: Graphic content
Johnny Depp once flew into a jealous rage upon learning of ex-wife Amber Heard's relationship with actor James Franco, a jury has heard.
Depp's defamation trial against his former wife has reached its 13th day, and now Heard's first defence witness, Dr Dawn Hughes, has taken the stand.
As reported by the Sun, Hughes testified that the alleged incident occurred on a 2015 Boston to LA flight.
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Advertise with NZME."He starts talking about James Franco," the forensic psychologist told the jury.
" 'Hope you had fun with your escapades.' He kicked her on the back and she went forward."
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Hughes attests that Depp got similarly upset about Heard and actor Billy Bob Thornton but did not provide further specifics.
Speaking on the alleged abuse Heard had described to her, Hughes said, "When Mr Depp was drunk or high, he threw her on the bed, ripped off her nightgown and tried to have sex with her."
On top of allegedly attempting to rape Heard, the psychologist also testified that Depp performed a cavity search on her without permission.
On one trip, after allegedly accusing Heard of reciprocating the flirtations of an unidentified woman, the couple went back to their trailer. Hughes said Depp then used his fingers to "perform a cavity search" to search for the cocaine he thought she was hiding inside her body.
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Heard's defence presentation began on Tuesday, July 13, with Hughes as her first witness to take the stand in the Fairfax, Virginia courtroom.
Depp, 58, is suing Heard, 36, for US$50 million ($77.6m) after her 2018 Washington Post op-ed where she claimed to be a victim of domestic abuse. Depp was never mentioned by name, but Depp's lawyers are arguing the comparison was heavily implied.
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Advertise with NZME.This ongoing defamation trial is based upon Depp's argument that Heard's article caused irrevocable damage to his reputation, career and income. The star lost millions when he was dropped from the Pirates of the Caribbean and Fantastic Beasts movie franchises.
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Once Depp's lawyers had rested their case, Heard's team attempted to file a motion to dismiss the lawsuit. Judge Penney Azcarate immediately rejected this, leading to Depp and his lead lawyer patting each other on the back.
Heard is expected to give her highly-anticipated testimony tomorrow.
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