For weeks, the public watched as the defamation trial between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard unfolded. Many were very focused on the reports of alleged abuse that both stars gave in the stands, although many were of course also all ears when it came to what other high-profile figures had to say. One of those people who testified at the trial was Depp’s former girlfriend, Kate Moss. The model and fashion mogul was very supportive of the Pirates of the Caribbean actor in the midst of his legal battle with Heard, and now she’s debating why she took the stand.
Kate Moss appeared at the week-long trial to address allegations that Johnny Depp, who she dated between 1994 and 1998, pushed her down a flight of stairs. While on the witness stand, she claimed that Depp “never pushed me, kicked me, or threw me down any type of stairs.” (She was also mentioned in court by Heard in relation to that viral fist-bump moment.) Moss was asked during an interview with BBC radio’s Desert Island Discs about her decision to support Depp and fashion designer John Galliano when both were embroiled in controversy were. Regarding the former, Moss doubled down on her testimony in court:
I believe in the truth and I believe in fairness and justice… I know the truth about Johnny, I know he never kicked me down the stairs… I had to tell that truth.
She expressed similar sentiments when it came to her support of John Galliano, who was accused of making anti-Semitic remarks while intoxicated in 2010. The model, who has starred in campaigns for Chanel, Louis Vuitton and others, admitted Galliano had a drinking problem but believes he’s “not a bad person.”
Regarding Johnny Depp, Kate Moss continued to show support for the actor even after her court appearances. According to her testimony at trial, Moss went across the pond to see his rock show. The star performed at the Royal Albert Hall in London alongside his friend, guitarist Jeff Beck.
The business mogul isn’t the only ex to have stood up for the actor during his legal battles. Former girlfriend Winona Ryder supported him (without appearing in court) in his 2020 defamation lawsuit against The Sun newspaper. The Beetlejuice icon filed a statement with the court rejecting allegations of violent behavior by her ex. She said, “The notion of him being an incredibly violent person is the furthest thing from the Johnny I knew and loved.”
Johnny Depp lost the defamation case despite receiving a favorable verdict in the defamation case. The jury awarded him $15 million (now $8.3 since the punitive damages award was reduced). The actor was next to stand trial for assault, although Depp and the plaintiff settled out of court.
Johnny Depp’s legal woes aren’t over yet, however, as Amber Heard has appealed to have the verdict overturned in the defamation case. Depp’s team responded to the appeal, later revealing that the Pirates star had filed one himself. Although he wants to “move on,” he has filed to “ensure that the full record and any legal issues are considered by the Court of Appeal.” We’ll have to wait and see how things play out, but in the meantime, it’s safe to assume that Depp will at least have the support of his fans and go on to select stars like Kate Moss.