Actor Johnny Depp testifies in defamation trial

Actor Johnny Depp took the stand Tuesday in his libel lawsuit against his ex-wife Amber Heard, saying her domestic abuse allegations against him were disturbing, heinous and “not based in any species of truth.” “Nothing of the kind ever happened,” Depp said in court. He added: “Never did I myself reach the point of striking Ms. Heard in any way. Nor have I ever struck any woman in my life.” Alluding to the fall his career has taken since Heard levied abuse allegations against him, the former “Pirates of the Caribbean” star said, “it’s been six years of trying times. It’s very strange when one day you’re Cinderella, so to speak, and then in 0.6 seconds you’re Quasimodo.” Depp added that he’s concerned for his children and the people who have believed in him. “I am obsessed with the truth,” Depp said. “So today is actually my first opportunity that I’ve been able to speak about this case.” The trial began more than a week ago, but, prior to Tuesday, jurors had only seen the Hollywood star sitting silently with his team of lawyers as each side has tried to embarrass the other in a trial that Heard's lawyers accurately predicted would turn into a mudslinging soap opera.