A-list celebrities, including Elon Musk and James Franco, became entangled in the explosive Depp v Heard defamation trial.

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The trial between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard captured the attention of the world, not only for the high-profile nature of the former couple but also for the involvement of several other A-list celebrities who were dragged into the courtroom drama. From tech mogul Elon Musk to acclaimed actor James Franco, these stars found themselves named and discussed in the midst of the contentious legal battle.

Elon Musk

During her testimony, Heard recounted the moment she met Elon Musk at the 2016 Met Gala, a chance encounter that took place after her then-husband Depp “stood me up” on the red carpet. She described developing a friendship with the billionaire Tesla CEO, who was also listed as a witness for the trial. However, Musk did not appear on the stand.

Paul Bettany

Paul Bettany, a close friend of Depp, became a topic of discussion during the trial as Heard revealed her strong dislike for him, seeing him as a “threat” to her relationship with the actor. She expressed concerns that Bettany’s closeness with Depp would lead to him taking him away from her.

James Franco

James Franco, the acclaimed actor, found himself at the center of the trial when Heard alleged that Depp subjected her to a “disgusting” and violent grilling about a sex scene she had filmed with Franco. The dispute over her work with Franco escalated during a private flight between Boston and Los Angeles, where Depp reportedly slapped and kicked Heard while screaming abuse.

Kate Moss

Kate Moss, an iconic model, also became entangled in the trial as Heard made references to an earlier claim that Depp had pushed Moss down a staircase during their relationship in the 1990s. The mention of Moss’s name in the courtroom brought back past controversies and speculations surrounding the supermodel’s connection with Depp.

Winona Ryder and Vanessa Paradis

Winona Ryder and Vanessa Paradis, two of Depp’s other exes, were drawn into the trial when Heard’s friend iO Tillett Wright testified that Depp had experienced bouts of jealousy in relationships, which fueled his alcohol issues. Ryder and Paradis had previously defended Depp against allegations of domestic violence during a separate trial.

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The Depp v Heard defamation trial served as a stark reminder that when high-profile relationships self-destruct, there is often collateral damage that spills into the public eye. The involvement of other celebrities brought additional layers of complexity to an already highly contentious legal battle, shining a spotlight on the intertwining lives of Hollywood’s elite.