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The Johnny Depp vs. Amber Heard defamation trial brought accusations of abuse by both actors to light. Aquaman actor Heard wrote an op-ed in the Washington Post that claimed abuse (though it didn’t name The Pirates of the Caribbean star by name), which contributed to Depp claiming defamation. Heard also detailed abuse by Depp during her trial testimony. Heard’s abuse claims need to be taken seriously, but Depp’s ex Vanessa Paradis once discussed her relationship with him, and it was the opposite of Heard’s marriage to Depp.

Johnny Depp (left) and Vanessa Paradis arrive at the 2005 Academy Awards. Paradis and Depp had a solid relationship, which is the opposite of Amber Heard's claims vs. Depp.
Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis | Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

Amber Heard details abuse during trial testimony

Heard detailed startling abuse allegations by Depp during her testimony in the defamation trial. 

Heard claimed a getaway trip turned violent when Depp abused her inside a trailer. She previously detailed several violent episodes from Depp, including one where she mentioned Depp’s relationship with Kate Moss as a reason for her hitting Depp during one argument. 

Both parties accuse the other of disturbing behavior, but Depp and ex Vanessa Paradis seemingly had a much more stable relationship.

Vanessa Paradis professed ‘admiration’ for Johnny Depp during their ‘magnificent’ relationship 

After being with Jennifer Grey, Sherilyn Fenn, Winona Ryder, and Moss, Depp began a relationship with Paradis in 1998. The French singer and Donnie Brasco star remained a couple until Depp met Heard while filming The Rum Diary. 

Paradis spoke about her relationship with Depp in a 2010 interview with Marie Claire. She had nothing but praise for the actor.

“I could make an endless list of all the things I admire about him, but above all, I admire his immense loyalty,” Paradis said. “I love watching him when he’s thoughtful or involved in something. I love observing him when he is talking to people. I love seeing how he deals with situations.

“I could go on and on, tell you I admire him as an actor, as a father, and as the man he is for me. But more than anything, I admire him as a person. Not only when he is talking to me or his mother, but as a person in the world, in all kinds of situations. I think he is magnificent. Truly magnificent.”

Vanessa Paradis

What Paradis said about her relationship with Depp in 2010 remained true in 2020. In his libel suit against News Group Newspapers, her written statement read, in part, that Depp was “a kind, attentive, generous, and non-violent person and father,” per The Hollywood Reporter.

What the experts say about the Depp vs. Heard trial

Related

Legal Experts Believe Johnny Depp and Amber Heard Trial Won’t Result in a Winner

Paradis’ relationship with Depp contrasts Heard’s claims. The more we hear from both sides in the defamation trial, the wider the gulf between Depp’s two most recent long-term relationships gets. Heard claims violence, assault, and verbal abuse. Paradis said Depp was thoughtful and magnificent during their relationship

Legal, medical, and body language experts have weighed in throughout the trial. A clinical psychologist claims Heard triggered Depp during arguments. A body language expert believes Depp’s behavior during Heard’s testimony showed disrespect. 

Depp and Heard are hardly the first high-profile couple to have relationship issues. Yet it seems there were no issues in Paradis’ relationship with Depp.

How to get help: In the U.S., call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788.

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