Amber Heard was cross-examined yesterday about her 2009 arrest as Johnny Depp's lawyer insisted she "committed domestic violence against" against her ex-girlfriend, Tasya van Ree.
The Rum Diary actress completed another day of cross-examination yesterday and was questioned about her previous romances. Heard told jurors that the claims she assaulted van Ree were part of a "smear campaign" orchestrated by Depp's legal team.
Depp, 58, and Heard, 36, are suing each other for $50 million and $100 million respectively over a 2018 op-ed the actress wrote for The Washington Post about her experience with domestic abuse.
Attorneys for Depp argue that the piece implies he was physically abusive towards his former wife - despite the fact that he was not named in it.
During what was the last day of Heard's cross-examination, one of Depp's lawyers, Camille Vasquez, brought to the jury's attention previous allegations that Heard had hit her former girlfriend, van Ree, in 2009.
Heard was arrested and it was later alleged that she hit her then-girlfriend's arm and pulled off her necklace. The charges were dropped.
In 2016, van Ree shared a statement with Variety denying claims that she was assaulted by Heard.
She said: “In 2009, Amber was wrongfully accused for an incident that was misinterpreted and over-sensationalized by two individuals in a power position.
“I recount hints of misogynistic attitudes toward us which later appeared to be homophobic when they found out we were domestic partners and not just ‘friends.’
"Charges were quickly dropped and she was released moments later. It’s disheartening that Amber’s integrity and story are being questioned yet again.
“Amber is a brilliant, honest and beautiful woman and I have the utmost respect for her. We shared five wonderful years together and remain close to this day.”
Questioning Heard at the Virginia court, Vasquez said per Metro: "You committed domestic violence against Ms. Van Reed, didn’t you?"
Heard responded: "No, I did not."
Pressing further, Vasquez said: "You assaulted her at a Seattle airport in 2009, didn’t you?"
Heard replied again: "No, I did not."
When the lawyer claimed: "And people saw that," the actress said: "That’s not true."
After telling Heard that the alleged incident had been covered in the press, Heard shot back: "It was planted in the press by Johnny’s team days after I got the TRO. Not coincidentally."
She then went on to say: "This is another example of the smear campaign."
Concluding her questioning of Heard, Vasquez stated: "Johnny Depp isn’t the only partner of yours that you’ve assaulted."
Heard then responded: "I’ve never assaulted any partner. I’ve never assaulted Mr. Depp or any other person I was romantically linked to, ever."