Legal Expert 'Horrified' At Johnny Depp's Reaction To Amber Heard's Sexual Violence Allegations
A barrister has shared their thoughts
A barrister has shared her 'horror' at Johnny Depp's reaction to Amber Heard's testimony in the latest court hearing on Thursday.
Dr Charlotte Proudman accused Depp of 'smiling' at his ex-wife as she took to the stand to recount details of alleged sexual assault. Watch his reaction here:
In the courtroom, Amber Heard burst into tears and struggled to finish sentences during her testimony as she described how Johnny Depp had allegedly violated her with a bottle.
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The actress said that during a violent argument with her former partner, Mr Depp had held her by the throat and smashed glass at a property in Australia in March 2015.
Describing the alleged 2015 incident during the second day of her evidence, Ms Heard told jurors that following a struggle they had ended up on a counter top and she had felt “pressure on my pubic bone”.
“I felt this pressure, I thought he was punching me. I saw his arm. I could feel his arm and it looked like he was punching me,” she said. “I felt pain and pressure on my pubic bone.
“I don’t remember what I said, I just remember being really still…looking around the room, all the broken bottles, broken glass.”
The actress went on to describe the graphic details describing herself as "scared and shocked". She also described other points in the pair's relationship where she alleges that Johnny would scream at her repeatedly that he would “f****** kill” her.
During another incident she said Mr Depp had held her into a pillow-top and she had feared she could die as she struggled to breathe.
The court was also shown several pictures of Ms Heard displaying injuries she had allegedly received during the violent altercations with Mr Depp.
The case has caught media attention worldwide and caused fierce debate, including how it has been handled.
Dr Charlotte Proudman, a barrister, has questioned whether the handling of this case will set the tone for similar cases in future. She wrote: "I'm horrified to see Amber Heard give evidence about sexual violence & domestic abuse without any special measures. She can see Johnny Depp smiling at her evidence. What's funny? Is he enjoying watching her re-live the abuse & trauma?"
She added: "He's watching her. The world's judging her."
Replies to the tweet have expressed similar views. One reply wrote: "It truly feels like I’m watching the witch trials. So many women are cheering this on. Not even knowing that they’re next. Sad times. My heart goes to amber."
Another added: "I’ve been surprised at how many people have already taken his side. I’m not on either side, they’re both probably at fault. But most people seem to only see the negative things that she has done, Depp apparently can do no wrong. It’s disturbing."
Depp is currently suing the Aquaman star for libel over a 2018 article she wrote in The Washington Post which his lawyers say falsely implies he physically and sexually abused her while they were together. The actor has denied all accusations.
Niamh Spence