Johnny Depp’s libel battle against NGN’s The Sun newspaper and its Executive Editor Dan Wootton will come to a close on Monday, as the judge will deliver his ruling.
Depp is suing the publishers over an April 2018 article, which labelled him a “wife beater”.
The publication referred to “overwhelming evidence” Depp, 57, had attacked his ex-wife Amber Heard, 34, during their relationship – a claim Depp vehemently denies.
Mr Justice Nichol will deliver his ruling remotely and it is not known whether any of the parties will be in attendance at court.
The libel trial unfolded over a three-week period in July this year, with Heard brought in as a star witness by NGN.
Johnny Depp to receive verdict in ‘wife beater’ libel case on Monday (Image: PA)
During the hearing, the court was told that the actress accuses her former spouse of attacking her on at least 14 occasions between 2013 and 2016, after allegedly becoming angry after a drink and drugs binge.
Depp has denied these allegations.
It is not known whether any of the parties will be in attendance at court (Image: Getty Images)
The court heard evidence from both stars over the 16 days, with friends and relatives of the couple and current and former employees testifying in court.
Depp spent around 20 hours in the witness box over five days, facing intense questioning about his Hollywood lifestyle and friendships and associations with the likes of Sir Elton John and actor Paul Bettany.
In closing arguments, Depp’s barrister David Sherborne said his client’s case was about vindication.
Johnny Depp’s libel battle comes to a close today (Image: Getty Images for Art of Elysium)
He said: “What is important to Mr Depp is clearing his name of these appalling allegations, expanded on as it has been over the last four years, as a result of which he has lost nothing less than everything, he would say.
“When I say he has lost everything, to him obviously everything is his reputation. This is not about money, this is vindicating him.”
Sasha Wass QC, for NGN, argued there is “no doubt that Mr Depp regularly and systematically abused his wife.
“The characterisation that he is a wife-beater is entirely truthful.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
