One of the most anticipated moments in the Johnny Depp case was also the quickest with model Kate Moss blowing a hole in the Ambers Heard case.
Kate Moss flatly denied that Johnny Depp pushed her down a flight of stairs – a rumor spread by Amber Heard – as she gave evidence at the star-studded defamation trial today.
In what may be the shortest testimony in the Depp v. Heard trial — and may prove the most damaging to Heard — model Moss took the witness stand on Wednesday.
The star’s testimony lasted four minutes during which she denied a rumour, raised in court by Heard, that Depp threw the model down a flight of stairs while the former couple were vacationing in Jamaica.
This is the first time Moss has discussed the allegations.
Moss’ denial that she was attacked undermines the ability of Heard’s legal team to show Depp domestic violence behavior.
Heard is being sued by Depp for $50m (A$67m) for suggesting he abused her in 2018 Washington Post editorial. Although she hasn’t named him, he claims her claims are false and cost him lucrative movie roles.
Heard counterattacked, asking for $100m (A$134m) and claiming she had suffered ‘endemic violence and physical abuse’ at his hands, but was defamed when he was claimed that she fabricated the allegations.
Own goal by Heard
Moss never had to be called to the stand.
But earlier in the trial, Depp’s lawyers were seen celebrating when Heard suddenly brought up Moss during his testimony.
Heard told the court of an alleged fracas in 2015 between Depp and his sister Whitney Henriquez, which took place near a staircase. Heard said she hit Depp because she feared he might have pushed her sister down the stairs.
Heard added that she immediately thought of “Kate Moss and the stairs.”
These five words referred to a supposed – but never confirmed – incident.
During Depp’s libel trial in the UK in 2020, Heard also addressed the alleged incident and said she “heard” Moss was pushed down a flight of stairs.
Conduct unrelated to the case in question is generally not allowed to be introduced by lawyers because it is not relevant. But Hearing about the incident on her own accord gave Depp the opportunity to call Moss as a witness to respond to the allegation, said the New York Post.
Despite their breakup, it was believed that Depp and Moss were still on good terms.
Moss questioned over alleged staircase incident
Moss appeared via video link from Gloucestershire in south west England.
Interviewed by Depp’s team, she said she was in a relationship with the Pirates of the Caribbean star from 1993 to 1998.
Depp’s attorney, Benjamin Chew, questioned Moss about the events that unfolded at the Golden Eye resort in Jamaica.
“We were leaving the room and Johnny left the room before me,” Moss said.
“There had been a storm. And as I left the room, I slipped down the stairs and hurt my back.
“I screamed because I was in pain and I didn’t know what had happened to me and he came running back to help me and carried me to my room and got me treated,” he said. she added.
“Did Mr. Depp push you down the stairs or during your relationship?” asked Mr. Chew.
“No. He never pushed me, kicked me or threw me down the stairs.
It was an unequivocal answer that will delight Depp’s team.
Depp’s attorneys attempted to continue questioning Moss, but a lengthy prior discussion between the judge and opposing legal teams appeared to limit what events Moss could also talk about.
Heard’s team declined to cross-examine Moss, meaning the model’s entire testimony lasted just four minutes. Four minutes that did not help Heard’s chances of success.
The trial continues today with Depp’s team calling a slew of witnesses to refute some of the charges brought by Heard’s lawyers. It is possible that Depp himself will take the helm again on Wednesday.
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