UK judge says Amber Heard can be in court for Depp testimony

Johnny Depp's lawyers have failed to stop American actor's ex-wife, Amber Heard, from attending his libel trial against British tabloid newspaper Sun until she is called to give evidence.

In a court order published on Saturday, trial judge Andrew Nicol said that excluding Heard from London courtroom before she testifies in case “would inhibit defendants in conduct of ir defense."

Depp, 57, is suing Sun’s publisher, News Group Newspapers, and Executive Editor Dan Wootton over a 2018 article claiming actor was violent and abusive to Heard. He strongly denies allegations.

Depp's lawyers had asked judge to keep Heard from attending trial until 34-year-old actress and model appears to give evidence, arguing that her testimony would be more reliable if she were t present in court when Depp was being cross-examined.

judge ted it is News Group and Wootton, and t Heard, that are defending claim, while conceding y will be relying “heavily” on what Heard says.

trial, which was postponed from March because of coronavirus pandemic, is scheduled to start Tuesday and to last three weeks.

Or witnesses are likely to include Depp’s ex-partners Vanessa Paradis and Wina Ryder, who have both submitted statements supporting “Pirates of Caribbean” star.