As the libel trial between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard began on April 11, 2022 in Fairfax, Virginia, the actor’s doctor confirmed his addiction to various drugs during a frantic hearing. David Kipper said he was taking care of the Pirates of the Caribbean star as he tried to “detox from his substance abuse” during his engagement to Amber Heard. The 58-year-old actor was reportedly addicted to alcohol, opiates, benzodiazepines, stimulants and also Xanax (an anxiolytic).
According to the same doctor, Vanessa Paradis’ ex-husband was also suffering from depression and anxiety at the time and was “terrified” to stop using opiates after becoming addicted to them following a dental procedure. To cure him of his addiction, he had prescribed him a two-week course of medication. Unfortunately, Johnny Depp would have been a difficult patient as he kept changing his mind on whether or not he should be cured. “He didn’t think he could do it. That might change after a conversation with him where he regained his senses and clarity, the doctor confided.
The “Dork Monster”
Court documents obtained by People magazine instead show that Johnny Depp said he was recovering from alcohol and drugs during “significant portions” of his marriage to Amber Heard. He reportedly accused the Aquaman actress of encouraging him to drink and use drugs “instead of aiding his sobriety.”
During the opening statement on Tuesday, April 12, 2022, the actress’ lawyer, Ben Rottenborn, said he had clear evidence that the actor had abused his client. Abuse that “took many forms,” including physical, emotional, verbal, and psychological, as well as sexual abuse.” Elaine Bredehoft, Amber Heard’s attorney, said the “Monster Dork would come out when he drank and when he did drugs.” Johnny Depp’s rep was quick to deny all of these allegations, which would be entirely “fictitious”.