With nothing but dark news dominating the cycle in recent months, it’s no wonder people are turning into the shocking defamation court case between Johnny Depp and ex-wife Amber Heard.
Although Depp’s eccentricities and substance abuse were no secret, the extent to which their relationship was toxic and abusive has been dropping jaws around the world as more and more salacious details sneak out from testifying witnesses.
Overall, the court case is painting a picture of two deeply troubled people – both beset by mental health issues, one struggling with substance abuse disorder – who have absolutely no business being together. But day by day, more of their private life is being held under a microscope for the world to examine. Here’s a look back at some of the moments that have caused the world to talk – and that both parties probably wish the world didn’t know in grueling detail.
1. A Lawsuit Suit: One of the more bizarre moments came early in the lawsuit, when behavior analysts began questioning a quirk of Heard’s. Heard kept showing up to court wearing exact copies of things Depp had worn, either recently in the court case or before during their time together. Speculation has been rampant about why she would do this. It could be a power move, reminding Depp that she’s still a part of his life, and she’s still playing mind games. Or it could be her way of reclaiming her own power. Which motive you ascribe to her actions probably depends on who you believe the aggressor was in their relationship, Heard or Depp.
2. Allergies, or…?: In another bizarre moment, eagle-eye trial watchers noticed Heard wiping her nose – weirdly. In a video shared widely online, Heard is seen lifting a tissue to her nose and ostensibly wiping it. But then, the actress pauses, presses her finger against the side of her nostril, and appears to pause for a sniff. This is a gesture reminiscent of how people snort cocaine, which has been the favorite rumor online.
Of course it’s entirely possible she just had something in her nose, but the internet is having a field day with this, suggesting that Heard really does nothing normal.
3. A Lawyer Fist-Pump of Victory: One eye-opening moment wasn’t from either Depp or Heard, but actually came from Depp’s counsel. While lawyers generally keep their cool in court, Depp’s counsel couldn’t help but celebrate one key moment – when Heard mentioned model and Depp’s ex, Kate Moss. Heard mentioned Moss because of an old rumor that he pushed the model down stairs – but she and Depp are in good standing, and whatever she says will likely be favorable in regards to Depp’s behavior. Heard clearly mentioned her in an attempt to paint him as a serial abuser, but it may bite her in the end if Moss gets on the stand and tells a far different tale of Depp’s relationship behavior than Heard expects. When Moss’s name dropped from Heard’s lips, Depp’s lawyer fist-pumped in victory and immediately began planning to bring her to the stand. Moss will be testifying Wednesday.
4. Body Language Analysts Have a Field Day with Heard’s Face: Although Heard has been looking a bit like a cool cucumber during most of the testimony, body language experts have come forward in droves to say the small movements on her face tell a completely different story. Instead of calm and collected, Heard is contemptuous and disgusted. At times, she’s angry – and trying to control that anger.
It’s an interesting analysis of someone who makes a career by getting people to believe her emotions are something other than they actually are – but the truth is written on her face.
5. Bloody Finger painting: Of course, Heard isn’t the only one with boundary issues and mental health struggles. Depp has his own fair share of WTH moments in the trial as well. One came when it was revealed during Depp’s testimony about the time Heard threw an alcohol bottle at him and the shattering of the bottle sliced off the tip of his finger. Depp admitted that he used his own blood from his freely bleeding injury to paint messages and words on the wall. That’s completely normal, right?
