Depp and Heard marriage ended in ‘mutual abuse’, says therapist

According to Johnny Depp and Amber Heard’s former couple therapist, the couple engaged in “mutual abuse” during the latter months of their turbulent marriage.

On the third day of the $50 million (£38 million) defamation trial in Virginia, jurors were shown video testimony from Dr Laurel Anderson.

Mr Depp has filed a lawsuit against his ex-wife over a narrative she authored in which she claimed to be a victim of domestic violence. He denies any wrongdoing.

Ms Heard counterclaimed for $100 million. According to testimony taped in February and played for jurors on Thursday, Ms Anderson said she saw the renowned couple for many therapy sessions between October and December 2015. After only 15 months of marriage, Ms Heard filed for divorce in May 2016.

According to the psychologist, Mr Depp and Ms Heard had a tense relationship, threatening to walk out of sessions during disputes. Ms Heard described physical assault at the hands of her then-husband in sessions where Mr Depp was not present, Ms Anderson said. Ms Heard said that she once came to her office with many little bruises on her face.

According to Ms Anderson, Ms Heard provoked physical exchanges on several occasions in an attempt to keep Mr Depp from leaving.

Both Ms Heard and Mr Depp’s families have a history of domestic violence, according to Ms Anderson. Ms Heard claimed that her father abused her, and Mr Depp claimed that his mother abused him.

So far, jurors have heard opposing descriptions of Depp and Heard’s connection.

Mr Depp is described by Ms Heard’s team as a physically and sexually aggressive boyfriend who is prone to drug and alcohol binges.

Mr Depp’s team dismissed Ms Heard’s allegations of domestic abuse as a “hoax” and a premeditated attempt to tarnish his reputation.

On Thursday, Kate James, Ms Heard’s former personal assistant, spoke about what allegedly happened when she asked her then-boss for a raise.

The trial will be televised live and will feature several high-profile witnesses, including James Franco, Paul Bettany, and Elon Musk. It is scheduled to run for at least six weeks.