The upcoming defamation trial in the Johnny Depp and Amber Heard saga is set to commence next month in Virginia, and it is safe to say that it includes a star-studded list of witnesses including the likes of Elon Musk, James Franco, and Ellen Barkin.

35-year-old Heard listed Franco, 43, and Musk, 50, to testify in the case in response to Depp’s accusations that she cheated on him with both men while they were still married. TMZ reported on Saturday, March 19 that both are scheduled to appear in court via video link. The ‘Aquaman’ star has also included actress Barkin, 67, on her list of witnesses, aside from reps for companies including Disney, Warner Bros., the ACLU, WME, and the Los Angeles Police Department, per the outlet. Meanwhile, 58-year-old Depp has listed actor Paul Bettany, 50, as a witness in connection with text messages he had previously exchanged with Depp.

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Other Hollywood-linked evidence in the case includes messages Heard exchanged with her Aquaman co-star Jason Momoa and director James Wan, director Zack Snyder, and CAA head Bryan Lourd. TMZ reported that emails between Depp and J.K. Rowling, as well as Jack White, were also submitted to the court. 

Depp and Heard are accusing each other of defamation. The extensive list of witnesses and evidence comes as Judge Penney S Azcarate is expected to listen to all of the claims at the same time. Depp originally sued Heard in March 2019 over a 2018 op-ed she wrote for The Washington Post claiming she was a victim of domestic violence in the past, without revealing the name of the actor. However, Depp alleged in court documents that “Ms. Heard is not a victim of domestic abuse, she is a perpetrator.”

Responding to the lawsuit, Heard filed her own $100 million counter-suit in September 2020. According to Deadline, both Depp and Heard are expected to appear in person to testify in court. TMZ reported how the exhibit list also included a number of news articles, movie contracts, tax returns, security footage, and photos. 

During an appearance at the San Sebastian International Film Festival in Spain last fall, Depp said he’s been the victim of “cancel culture, or this instant rush to judgment” in the entertainment industry since Heard accused him of domestic violence in 2016. That said, the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ star appears to be living life as usual despite being embroiled in legal troubles. He was seen attending a charity concert in Los Angeles Saturday night, March 19. The actor was spotted after the show, taking the time to sign autographs for his fans outside of the venue. On the other hand, MEAWW reported how a veteran Hollywood producer claimed that 35-year-old Heard’s career is probably over for good. 

The hotly anticipated trial is slated to begin on April 11. 

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