The groundbreaking trial between world renowned actors Johnny Depp and Amber Heard began on April 12, 2022 in Fairfax County. Johnny Depp is suing his ex wife, Amber Heard, for defamation of character because of an article that was released by the Washington Post in December of 2018.

Johnny Depp and Amber Heard started dating in early 2012 and later got engaged in 2014. In 2016, however, Heard filed for divorce and was able to get a restraining order against Depp, claiming that he threw a phone at her. 

 “[I am] in fear that Johnny will return unannounced to terrorize me, physically and emotionally,” she wrote. The divorce was finalized in 2017. 

Later in 2018, The Washington Post released an article with Amber Heard co-writing, explaining Heard’s experience with domestic abuse and the wave of “wrath” that women who speak out have to deal with. Though Depp’s name was never mentioned in this article, Depp lost many sponsorship deals. He was also removed from his roles in The Pirates of the Caribbean and Fantastic Beasts movies. 

In 2019, Depp sued Heard for defamation of character, claiming that the article was meant to bring down his reputation and raise hers using false information. He also labeled her as the abuser rather than the victim. 

The trial has been ongoing since April,12. Depp has testified and has brought in many witnesses. Heard has also taken the stand since then.