As Johnny Depp and his rock supergroup the Hollywood Vampires wrap up their tour of Europe this week, the actor is preparing to return to LA and face the music.
As you’ve probably heard by now, it wasn’t long after he left the country that Depp’s estranged wife, Amber Heard, filed for a restraining order against the 52-year-old screen icon.
Heard told a judge that in the midst of a drunken meltdown, Depp had struck her in the face with an iPhone leaving with her facial bruising and other injuries.
In the week that followed, fans and famous friends of Depp’s expressed their doubts about Heard’s claims, with some even going so far as to accuse the actress of blackmailing Depp.
Heard’s team countered by going public with more shocking abuse allegations.
Now, sources from both sides are offering statements designed to shape public opinion about who’s to blame – and who deserves our sympathy – in this increasingly ugly situation.
“Johnny has been an emotional mess,” a source tells People magazine.
The insider adds that while Depp has been living up to his rockstar reputation while on tour, the dissolution of his marriage and the allegations by Heard are weighing heavily on his mind:
“The concerts and the tour are good for him. He doesn’t want to let his fans down. It’s the best distraction.
His team is keeping a close eye on him,” says the source. “He has been drinking, but hasn’t been out of control.”
On the other side, photographer and longtime Heard friend iO Tillett Wright has taken to Twitter to blast Depp and offer her account of the situation:
“BULLS–T!” Wright tweeted. “I’ve had enough. I saw the bruises. Many times. And the fat lip. And the cut head,”
“How much evidence does a woman need to present?! She has photos, texts, witnesses, and filed a restraining order,” she went on. “This culture of victim blaming makes me sick. I’m a witness. I’m here.
“I’m standing up. I can’t take any more of this witch hunt. I was on the f–king phone when he hit her. I HEARD HER SCREAM. I will testify. Here and in court. Under oath. WHAT ELSE DOES A WOMAN NEED?”
Interestingly, the relationship between Wright and Heard has reportedly triggered Depp’s infamous temper in the past, as the actor reportedly believed that the women were more than just friends.
No word yet on whether or not Wright will be called upon to testify against Depp in court.
