Psychiatrist Dr. David Spiegel took to the stand yesterday, and people are calling his testimony the most bizarre yet…
People on social media are comparing him to Doc Brown from Back to the Future.
Scroll on to find out more…
Now, we all know Johnny Depp has been through a lot, especially over the last few months.
The Kentucky-born actor, who has been renowned in Hollywood since the 1990s, has been embroiled in a highly publicized domestic abuse scandal with his ex-girlfriend, Amber Heard, for the last 5 years.
At first, this coupling seemed to be at the start of a promising relationship.
After meeting on the set of The Rum Diary in 2011, the actor started dating Texan actress and model, Amber Heard, shortly after calling it quits with his long-term partner, Vanessa Paradis.
They announced their engagement in 2014…
And, not ones to waste any time, they hastily tied the knot just one year later in February 2015.
However, it was here when things started to go a little ship-shaped.
Their honeymoon period was rather short-lived as, just months after their marriage, Depp reportedly suffered a hand injury as a result of “smashing bottles and windows” during a heated argument with his wife.
For the next year, various reports of abuse between the pair continued to surface…
So it came as no shock when Heard filed for divorce in March 2016, just fifteen months after the couple had initially exchanged their “I do”s.
At first, the divorce seemed unsuspicious…
Many news outlets reported that Heard had cited “irreconcilable differences” while filing the divorce petition.
But, only a few months into their separation…
Heard filed a restraining order against Depp, claiming that he had previously assaulted her.
It was a big allegation to make…
So people were confused when Heard retracted her allegations just one day before the hearing was due to be held.
But this didn’t stop the world from turning against Depp.
Heard had alleged that the actor had hit her on several occasions, and even provided video footage of him flinging a glass of wine across the room in a fit of rage.
And, in 2018, the actress penned an article for The Washington Post where she opened up about her experience with domestic abuse and violence.
Though she didn’t explicitly name Depp in her op-ed, she did allude to the time period when, “two years ago, I became a public figure representing domestic abuse, and I felt the full force of our culture’s wrath for women who speak out.”
There was an outpour of support for Heard…
Who was even made the American Civil Liberties Union’s “Ambassador for Women’s Issues.”
And, despite profusely denying all the allegations against him…
Depp found his career taking a hit as a result of the ongoing scandal.
Fewer and fewer directors were hiring Depp for roles…
And his appearance in J.K Rowling’s Fantastic Beasts sequel, The Crimes of Grindelwald, was heavily criticized.
And, in 2018, he was dropped from his iconic role as Captain Jack Sparrow.
In a career-shattering announcement just 4 days after Heard’s damning article, Disney announced that the actor would no longer be a part of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise.
Though they didn’t directly cite Heard’s abuse allegations…
It was widely assumed that Disney, who has earned over $4.5 billion at the box office from the Pirates franchise, was trying to distance themselves from the actor and the scandal surrounding him.
But then, there was a sudden change in events.
Depp filed a $50-million defamation case against Heard and presented evidence that he was the one on the receiving end of the abuse, not the other way around.
Shockingly, the actor alleged that he was the victim all along.
Depp’s defamation lawsuit read: “The op-ed [Heard’s article] depended on the central premise that Ms. Heard was a domestic abuse victim and that Mr. Depp perpetrated domestic violence against her.”
The lawsuit also stated that all of Heard’s claims were “categorically and demonstrably false”…
And listed down incidents of Heard’s alleged abuse since the start of their marriage, including punching and kicking, as well as staging her attacks.
The allegations are difficult to read.
“She hit, punched, and kicked me. She also repeatedly and frequently threw objects into my body and head, including heavy bottles, soda cans, burning candles, television remote controls, and paint thinner cans, which severely injured me.” His lawsuit read.
And, to tarnish the actress’ reputation and credibility even further…
Audio obtained by the Daily Mail was released that heard her admitting to attacking Depp.
As per the audio clip, she could also be heard taunting him…
“You are such a baby. Grow the f*** up, Johnny. You poke an animal enough, it is eventually, it doesn’t matter how friendly it is, it’s not cool,” Heard can be heard saying.
The case was grueling…
Depp then went to court for his libel case against The Sun newspaper – whom he is suing over a 2018 article in which he was described as a “wife-beater.”
The pair were in court as part of the 3-week long trial.
While in court, both parties played pretty dirty, revealing compromising photographs of each other which have blown everything out of the water, yet again. And of course with the evidence came more allegations.
Of course, this massive loss was terrible for the actor’s name…
But he isn’t giving up his fight.
Depp and his legal team were determined to prove that the pictures Heard shared in the case were forged…
To make it look like he was repeatedly abusing her, when in fact, according to Depp it was the other way around.
As per Page Six, lawyers working on the case claim that Heard altered photos making her appear to have 2 black eyes…
Alleging she was attacked by him in 2015.
Depp’s lawyer, Benjamin Chew claimed: “Ms. Heard’s counsel has repeatedly used these phony photographs at deposition.”
He also shared that he believes the LA Police Department “disavowed the photographs” that were previously given to the court and “did not depict what they saw.”
Chew revealed that the LAPD “found no injury upon Ms. Heard and no disruption to the penthouses” upon inspection…
“Ms. Heard and her friends then fabricated photos that she used to obtain an ex parte TRO [temporary restraining order] and a $7 million divorce settlement which Ms. Heard falsely testified in London she gave to the ACLU and, more scandalously, to the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles; sick children with cancer,” he added.
Chew concluded that someone “doctored those photographs.”
“So, Ms. Heard or someone on her behalf doctored those photographs three years later. When that came up in her testimony in London, Ms. Heard falsely denied it. In short, Your Honour, without forensic imaging Mr Neumeister cannot properly assess or verify Ms. Heard’s data,” Chew added.
Since Chew exposed Heard’s alleged false claims, the court has granted Depp and his lawyers access to her phone records…
They will also be analyzed by Brian Neumeister, who is a tech expert.
And, we’ve seen some huge celebrity names in the defamation case between the two actors.
There are many more who have been dragged into the defamation case.
Paul Bettany will be a witness for Depp.
And, according to Cinemablend, Heard’s legal team will use Bettany’s texts with Depp against them, displaying violent language targeted at Heard.
Heard’s exhibit list includes names we’re all familiar with…
There will be text messages and email conversations between Heard, Jason Momoa, and James Wan, as per the news outlet.
There are also emails logged from author JK Rowling and guitarist Jack White.
Who else is involved?
Ellen Barkin, an American actress, will be on Heard’s witness list, and she has spoken up about Heard’s allegations in the past.
“Amber Heard was never enough of a victim,” she wrote.
“And we never will be… Unless we’re dead,” she continued.
Depp is suing Heard for defamation, claiming that his reputation has been tarnished because of the things she has said during their battle.
And Heard is countersuing him, which is why so many big names have been dragged into the case, as well.
Now, since the case began, a lot of people have taken to the stand…
And on April 19th, it was Depp’s turn.
Depp took to the stand at Fairfax County courthouse where he described Heard’s claims as “heinous and disturbing,” LADbible reports.
He said that her allegations were “criminal acts against me that were not based in any species of truth.”
Depp went on to deny striking Heard and any woman in his life.
“Never did I myself reach the point of striking Miss Heard in any way, nor have I ever struck any woman in my life,” he told the court. “Since I knew there was no truth to it whatsoever, I felt it my responsibility to stand up, not only for myself in that instance, but stand up for my children.”
Depp then further detailed the effect that the allegations had on his children.
“I thought it was diabolical that my children would have to go to school and have their friends or people in the school approach them with the infamous People Magazine cover with Miss Heard with a dark bruise on her face,” he said.
Describing himself as a “very private person,” the actor said that for him “to come up here and sit before you all and spill the truth is quite exposing, and it’s unfortunate that it’s not only exposing for myself, it’s exposing for my family, it’s exposing for Miss Heard, it never had to go in this direction.”
He also added that his goal is “the truth” and that he isn’t embarrassed because “I know I’m doing the right thing.”
Depp has since returned to the stand where he has revealed more about his time spent with his ex-wife, Amber Heard.
There have been admissions about his severed finger, audio recordings of fights, and text messages revealing horrific desires.
After thirteen days, Depp’s legal team rested their case on Tuesday, May 3rd.
However, in a shocking turn of events, Heards legal team tried to have the case dismissed.
On May 3rd, Heard’s legal team argued for the case to be dismissed.
According to the Independent, the dismissal was argued on the grounds that Depp’s legal team had not proven malice and that headline for The Washington Post op-ed was not written by Heard.
But, despite the attempts for dismissal, it was denied.
The outlet reports that Judge Penney Azcarate denied Heard’s attempt to dismiss the case striking 2 motions while keeping one under advisement.
Subsequently, the trial continued this week, and on Wednesday, May 4th, it was Heard’s time to take to the stand.
Heard took to the stand to give detail about the alleged abuse where she recalled a number of alleged incidents of violence…
Since Heard took to the stand to testify, a lawyer has noticed Depp’s body language has changed significantly.
So much so, that she labeled it “concerning.”
Julie Grant, a lawyer from Court TV told Good Morning Britain: “I thought Amber Heard testified as well as she could.
“Him looking down most of the time was concerning. Sometimes it can be effective to look like you’re not paying attention to a jury. That’s a trial advocacy trick.”
She added: “But to do it for such a prolonged period of time on Wednesday, that to me was a problem.
“I’m mindful that these two are actors. It’s really hard to know what is authentic and what is an act.”
His actions are the total opposite of how Heard reacted to Depp on the stand, where she would look directly at him while he gave his testimony.
He, on the other hand, wouldn’t look up and appeared to shrink down in his seat when Heard was talking.
People on social media have given their opinions on Depp’s body language, with some calling it guilty behavior, while others claim his reactions are that of a victim.
His team spoke out, too…
Saying that as Heard has taken the stand, she has given the “performance of her life.”
This comes as many other people have taken to social media to talk about Heard’s behavior while giving her testimony.
Some people noted on Twitter that she had “posed” for the media.
“Amber Heard literally just posed for a picture on the stand for the media. I’m gonna throw up. She’s completely deranged. I pray the jury will use their common sense. Johnny deserved justice #justiceforjohnnydepp #DeppVsHeard,” one wrote.
Andy Signore wrote on his Twitter account, as well.
“OMG I’m DYING. Amber Heard is the worst actor EVER. This fake incoherent PERFORMANCE is sickening… All over the place, too many details, fake sighs, forced tears and looks to the jury.. This is an EMBARASSMENT to survivors everywhere. #Heardsay #AmberHeardIsALiar #DeppvHeard,” he said.
Another person also discussed Heard’s reaction to Depp making his way to the exit when the trial had come to an end for the day.
“Amber Heard walking off the stand 2 days ago, not caring about Johnny’s presence,” they wrote on Twitter before comparing it to “Amber Heard walking off the stand ‘scared’ yesterday. It’s a performance.”
His team has also said that it is nothing more than an act, as per TMZ.
The actor’s spokesperson told TMZ that Heard had been: “Preparing to give the performance of her life in this trial.” His lawyers had said this during their opening statements, as well.
The team noted that “new and convenient details” have sprung up while Heard has taken to the stand to testify.
But, they also said that Depp’s “recollections have remained exactly the same throughout the 6 painful years since her first allegations were made.”
However, there is one person who appears to be on Heard’s side, and that’s actress Julia Fox…
The Uncut Gems star spoke out against the claims made by Depp that she was the aggressor, saying that Heard couldn’t possibly be the one abusing Depp.
She wrote online: “[Heard] never had the power in the relationship to be abusive to [Depp]. Did she hit him? Yes. Was it abuse? No.
“You need to have power to be able to abuse it. She was 25. He clearly was always way more powerful including physically and financially.”
And people were shocked by her comments, one Twitter user replied: “It’s really sickening how people are still defending Amber… even after all of the evidence that was shown in court. there is literal proof that she abused Johnny & yet people still side with her…”
Another said Heard was the one with the power in their relationship, writing: “Power? You mean like the time when Amber told Johnny that no one will ever believe him because he was a man… Got it.”
However, some did agree with Fox. Washington Post journalist Taylor Lorenz wrote: “Abuse is about power and she didn’t have the power. I think a lot of ppl don’t understand what abusive relationships actually look like. Julia Fox put it well [to be honest].”
Another wrote: “No but the way Julia fox has a better understanding of power dynamics than majority of troglodytes online… and she’s one of the few people with a large following actually saying something…”
Other celebrities supported the actress, as well.
Let’s take a look at all of the celebrities who stand up for Heard.
Kathy Griffin…
Actress Kathy Heard, who acted with Depp in Edward Scissor Hands, came out in support of Heard by commenting on a Twitter announcement of Heard’s saying she was going to take a break from social media while the trial went on.
According to the Independent, she said: “Oh doll, I’m thinking about you and sending you all the love.”
Howard Stern…
Radio host Howard Stern has come out in support of the actress.
“He figured, ‘I’ll put this on TV because I’m so persuasive and I’m so smart, and I’m such a wonderful guy… I will charm the pants off of America at the trial,’ he said on his show in April.
“No, you won’t. This will not go well. It’s not going well for you, it’s not going well for her. It’s not going well for anybody. You sound like two battling children. It’s just coming off really badly,” he continued.
Ellen Barkin…
Ellen Barkin, an ex-girlfriend of Depp’s, took to the stand in support of Heard, but also previously supported her through the Twitter platform.
“Amber Heard was never enough of a victim,” she wrote.
And during her testimony, she said that Depp was a “controlling, jealous boyfriend.”
David Krumholtz…
The actor said that Heard was a “victim” of Depp in a series of Instagram stories, as per The Indpendent.
“Drugs and alcohol turn men into monsters. I believe Amber Heard,” he said. “She is not innocent. But she is a victim. Johnny Depp’s smugness during the trial is sickening.”
Others have been speculated to support Heard, as well…
Whereas some believe that both are at fault.
But as the trial comes to its final few days, one surprising person has been trending on Twitter.
And that’s Doc Brown.
Psychiatrist Dr. David Spiegel took to the stand on Monday, and many have pointed out his similarities to the Back to the Future character, Doc Brown.
Spiegel was brought to the stand by Heard’s team as an expert on substance abusers and intimate partner violence (IPV).
But Depp’s legal team quickly jumped on Spiegel, claiming he wasn’t an expert at all.
Wayne Dennison said: “IPV doesn’t appear on your CV at all?” to which Spiegel replied: “If you say it’s not on my CV I’ll believe you.”
Dennison then asked Spiegel about previous comments he’s made about Depp, despite never examining him.
“At deposition, didn’t you say what you did was compare Mr. Depp’s performance in lots of Pirates movies against his deposition here?”
“I apologize for what I said,” Spiegel replied. “Then I misspoke.”
Dennison then responded: “Because you can’t compare Pirates to sworn testimony, right?”
During the questioning, Spiegel seemed to grow increasingly more agitated, and viewers have picked up on that, sharing their thoughts on social media.
One Twitter user commented on Spiegel’s appearance during the trial, writing: “If Sam the Eagle and Doc Brown had a love child.”
“This cross is hilarious. This doctor is the witness we all dream of cross-examining,” a second tweeted, to which another replied: “It’s quite amusing, but it’s scary thinking he is supposed to help people with mental illness.”
You can watch part of his testimony here.