Now faces 10 million pound legal bill

Hollywood legend Johnny Depp, who starred in the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ franchise as Captain Jack Sparrow, has lost a major legal case involving his ex-wife, the actress Amber Heard.

The judge in the case held that Depp physically beat Heard and that there was merit in her claim that he became a monster when he was under the influence of alcohol and drugs. She says he physically abused her on at least 14 occasions between 2013 and May 2016

The case was heard in the London-based High Court by Justice Nicol who found that, of the 14 occasions Heard accused her former spouse of beating her, he did so in 12 incidents.

The case centred around an article published in the UK redtop The Sun (which forms part of the News Group Newspapers (NGN) with Don Wootton serving as executive editor) which claimed Depp was a wife beater.

Heard, as the woman in question, was the Sun’s chief witness.

On news of the blow to Depp, his lawyers issued a statement which read: “The judgment is so flawed that it would be ridiculous for Mr Depp not to appeal this decision.”

The paper, in turn in its release, said: “Domestic abuse victims must never be silenced and we thank the judge for his careful consideration and thank Amber Heard for her courage in giving evidence to the court.”

This is a bitter pill for Depp to swallow. He has said that he has lost his US$650-million fortune due to mismanagement and now he faces paying legal fees and costs for both Heard and NGN which are expected to total £10 million.

In May of next year, Depp will be instituting a US$50-million libel claim against Heard in the American courts. This concerns an article she wrote in the Washington Post about domestic abuse.

Heard is one of the stars of the DC Universe’s ‘Aquaman’, which has grossed over US$1 billion worldwide.