The high-profile Johnny Depp vs. Amber Heard defamation trial concluded in June 2022, and its intricate details unfolded in the Netflix miniseries Depp v. Heard.

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A fresh layer of complexity was added to the legal tussle between Johnny Depp, renowned for his role in Pirates of the Caribbean, and actress Amber heard when he issued a subpoena to James Franco, prompted by footage from 2016 that seemed to capture two individuals closely resembling Franco and Depp’s former spouse entering an elevator together in a seemingly affectionate manner.

The video clip in question portrayed Franco alongside Heard in the elevator, where they appeared to share an intimate moment. Interestingly, this incident unfolded shortly after an alleged heated argument between Heard and Depp.

Reports suggest that the purported altercation left Heard with visible facial and bodily injuries. However, Depp countered these claims by asserting that she had manufactured these injuries for “positive publicity.”

In light of the video, Depp, then took the step of subpoenaing James Franco. The purpose of this legal maneuver was to have Franco recount the elevator encounter with Heard.

The backdrop of Heard’s abuse allegations against Depp saw him filing a defamation lawsuit against her, amounting to $50 million. Depp maintained that the abuse claims formed an integral part of an “elaborate hoax.” His position remained staunchly rooted in his innocence, supported by opposing accounts from responding police officers, third-party witnesses, and newly acquired surveillance camera footage.

In response to the issuance of Franco’s subpoena, Heard’s legal representative, Eric M. George, dismissed the video’s relevance. George clarified that Heard and Franco simply coincidentally shared an elevator in the same apartment complex. He criticized Depp’s efforts to sensationalize the footage as “pathetic.”

Adam Waldman, Depp’s attorney, indicated an interest in Franco and Elon Musk as potential fact witnesses. Their perspectives were considered vital to establish a timeline of events in the days following Heard’s alleged assault. This span was crucial as it covered her appearance in court, wherein Depp contended she had “painted on bruises” to obtain a Temporary Restraining Order.

Heard and Depp’s tumultuous marriage, initiated in 2015, saw separation the following year. The couple’s divorce was finalized in January 2017, marking the beginning of mutual abuse allegations.

Also read | Did Amber Heard admit in leaked audio she physically assaulted Johnny Depp?

The year 2022 brought to light the conclusion of their highly contentious legal battle, culminating in a defamation trial. This tumultuous journey is set to unfold on screen through Netflix’s Depp v. Heard, a miniseries directed by Emma Cooper, premiered on August 16.

The trial’s resolution saw Heard found guilty of defaming Depp, resulting in a payment of $10 million for lost wages. Depp, in turn, was directed to pay Heard $2 million for defamatory statements attributed to his former lawyer. Despite initial appeals, Heard opted to waive her appeal in December 2022.