Ex-lover said Johnny is hot-tempered and jealous
Ellen Barkin, Johnny’s ex-girlfriend, recently testified in the ongoing legal battle between Johnny and Amber, describing the Hollywood star as someone who often lost his temper, was often drunk, and showed intense jealousy. Barkin’s testimony is key evidence supporting Amber’s claims against her ex-husband. Let’s explore Barkin’s relationship with Johnny and the allegations she made.
A tumultuous romance in the 1990s
Barkin and Johnny met in the early 1990s, forming a quick friendship that quickly developed into a short-lived romantic relationship. They began dating while filming Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998), a period during which Barkin alleged that Johnny exhibited controlling behavior. Johnny often showed jealousy, even showing discomfort over a small scratch on his back. Barkin testified, saying: “He was angry when he saw the scratch and claimed it was from another man.” This controlling and jealous behavior is a central theme in Barkin’s description of her time with the actor.
In addition to Johnny’s jealousy, Barkin also testified about an incident where Johnny lost control and threw a bottle of wine. She shared that the event took place on the set of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. While she managed to avoid the bottle, Barkin’s account added weight to the claims about Johnny’s erratic temper. She couldn’t remember whether the bottle was full or empty, but she emphasized how lucky she felt to avoid injury.
A sour end to their relationship
Their relationship came to an unpleasant end, and Barkin testified against Johnny multiple times, including in his 2020 lawsuit against The Sun. Johnny claimed that Barkin harbored resentment towards him because he ended their relationship. On the other hand, Barkin said that she had hoped for a more serious commitment, but Johnny was unwilling, leading to their breakup.
Amber’s supporters testified
Barkin isn’t the only person to testify against Johnny in Amber’s ongoing legal case. Joel Mandel, Johnny’s former business manager, said Johnny’s behavior became erratic in the early 2010s, blaming substance abuse for the actor’s mood swings and poor decision-making. Johnny’s frequent relapses into alcohol and drug addiction only made him more impatient and uncontrolled.
Bruce Witkin, an old friend of Johnny’s, also testified about the actor’s jealousy, especially when it came to Amber’s interactions with male co-stars. Witkin described Johnny’s discomfort and efforts to monitor Amber, adding that he had witnessed Johnny openly using alcohol and drugs on multiple occasions.
The role of social media in the incident
Ron Schnell, a communications expert, presented evidence of an aggressive social media campaign targeting Amber. More than two million posts on Twitter aimed at attacking Amber, many of them using hashtags like #JusticeForJohnnyDepp and #AmberTurd. This online backlash became the focus of public opinion surrounding the trial.
Amber’s legal strategy
Amber’s legal team is attempting to prove that Johnny sabotaged his own career, with witnesses such as Tina Newman, a production executive at Disney, claiming that Johnny’s ouster from Pirates of the Caribbean was unrelated to Amber’s 2018 article in The Washington Post. Newman’s statement directly refutes Johnny’s claim that Heard’s article led to his downfall in Hollywood.
Industry Testimonial: Johnny’s declining professional reputation
Tracey Jacobs, Johnny’s former agent, expressed regret for helping him become one of Hollywood’s top stars, only to see him ruin his career with alcohol and drugs. Jacobs demonstrates that Johnny is difficult to work with and does not appreciate the support he receives from those around him. She revealed that Johnny fired her in 2016, further highlighting the toll substance abuse had on his career.
Psychologist Alan Blaustein, who worked with Johnny, also noted signs of mental distress. He testified that Johnny used alcohol and drugs to numb his pain and that the actor often felt anxious and impatient.
Looking ahead: Next steps for testing
As the trial between Johnny and Amber continues, more witnesses are expected to testify, shedding light on the complexities of their tumultuous relationship. The legal battle stems from Amber’s 2018 article where she identified herself as a survivor of domestic abuse, although she never explicitly named Johnny. However, Johnny alleged that the article damaged his reputation, causing him to file a $50 million defamation lawsuit. Amber was countersued for $100 million, further increasing the nature of the trial.
Both sides presented conflicting evidence, with Johnny’s supporters claiming they never witnessed signs of abuse, while Amber’s team asserted that the outbursts and Johnny’s substance abuse were at the heart of their marital problems. As the trial continues, the court will continue to hear testimony from those who worked closely with both Johnny and Amber, bringing additional layers of complexity to an already high-profile case.
