FAIRFAX, Va. — Johnny Depp’s former agent testified Thursday that the actor’s “star” faded as news spread about his “unprofessional” behavior on set and his glorification of drug culture.
Tracey Jacobs of the United Talent Agency shared in a recording how she helped the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ star build a stellar career – only for him to squander it on drugs and alcohol.
“It got worse over time,” she said in the recording played to the jury in Fairfax, Virginia.
The film industry is a “small community,” Jacobs said. “People talk.” REUTERS
Following the success of the first Pirates of the Caribbean film, Jacobs said: “[Depp] became the biggest star in the world.”
Amber Heard’s attorney, Elaine Bredehoft, asked, “Do you take that to your credit?”
“Yes,” replied the agent.
Johnny Depp in court Thursday.REUTERS
The Hollywood power broker said she was fired in 2016 because “he essentially ended everyone in their lives and I guess I rode along.”
At the end of their time together, Jacobs testified, the actor’s “unprofessional behavior” damaged his reputation in Hollywood.
The film industry is a “small community,” Jacobs said. “People talk.”
Amber Heard stands next to her attorney Thursday. POOL/AFP via Getty Images
Finally, she continued, Depp “came in too late to bet consistently on virtually every film. I would get yelled at.”
Jacobs flew to Australia twice while filming the fifth Pirates of the Caribbean movie because of issues with Depp’s behavior, she said.
Depp, 58, wore an earphone and showed up late on set, his former agent testified.
The film industry is a “small community,” Jacobs said. “People talk.” REUTERS
“I was very honest with him and said, ‘You have to stop this, it hurts you.’ And it did,” she said.
Jacobs also testified in conversations with her that no one at Disney has committed to hiring Depp for the sixth installment of the Pirates franchise.
“[Depp’s] star dimmed. People were talking and the question of his behavior was out there.
Jacobs’ testimony was played before the jury Thursday morning.REUTERS
As the fifth week of the trial draws to a close, Jacobs’ testimony casts doubt on Depp’s claim that his career was damaged by Heard’s domestic violence allegations.
Depp is suing his ex-wife for $50 million over a 2018 Washington Post op-ed in which she described herself as “a public figure who portrays domestic violence.” He claims to have been defamed by the essay, although his name was never mentioned in it.
Heard, 36, is suing the actor for $100 million, alleging his lawyers defamed her by launching a “smear campaign” against her on his instructions.
Heard watches in court.REUTERS
The closing arguments are expected on May 27th.