Johnny Depp was under cross-examination on Thursday (April 21, 2022) in connection with his defamation lawsuit against Amber Heard. Meanwhile, he was being questioned by Heard’s defense team about his drug and alcohol use. As a result, the actress’ lawyers read out several text messages from Depp, including some to his famous friends such as Marilyn Manson, Paul Bettany and Elton John. On the news, he spoke about his drug problems. He also insulted Amber Heard and Vanessa Paradis in the messages.
Depp describes text messages as black humor
“When I’m writing something, when I’m writing a lyric, especially when I’m particularly passionate, it’s a canvas, a painting,” Depp said. During testimony earlier this week, the actor preemptively apologized to the jury for his “dark humor.” He also explained Heard’s reaction to his drug use: “She didn’t like it when she thought I was high on drugs and alcohol.”
cocaine, alcohol and pills
In addition, the actor was asked explicitly about his drug use with his friends Paul Bettany and Marilyn Manson. It featured exchanges of lyrics between Depp and Manson from September 2012, as Rottenborn attempted to paint a portrait of the actor’s heavy drug and alcohol use.
“I do marijuana… a lot!” Depp texted Marilyn Manson. “The pill and the herbal stuff keep me calm and detached.” Of Manson, Depp said, “We drank together, we did cocaine together, maybe a few times.” When Rottenborn asked if the two took pills together, Depp replied, “I gave Marilyn Manson a pill once to make him stop talking so much.”
The courtroom then erupted in laughter. In addition, text messages were presented in which Depp appeared to be trying to get pills from Manson’s assistant. At this point, both Depp and Manson were in Australia (Manson was touring there).
A photo with a demo CD by Keith Richards was also shown in the courtroom. Next to it were probably four lines of cocaine and a few glasses of beer. Other items in the picture included a box with the initials “JD” and a skull and crossbones. When asked by the attorney if he was transporting cocaine in that box, Depp replied, “I can’t say I was transporting cocaine in it, but it looks like some cocaine will fit in it.”
Bad news
Johnny Depp was also questioned about drug use with Bettany. Depp admitted to doing cocaine and drinking alcohol with the actor. His attorney, David Rottenborn, read text messages from Depp to Bettany. “Let’s burn Amber!” Depp said in another message to Bettany. “Let’s drown them before we burn them!!! I’ll f*** her burned corpse afterwards to make sure she’s dead.”
Depp also insulted Vanessa Paradis
Depp was also asked why he and Vanessa Paradis broke up after 14 years and two children together. In a message read to the court, the actor referred to his ex as a “French blackmailer.” He also denied that his alcohol addiction contributed to their breakup.