CBR has learned Amber Heard's legal team no longer plans to call Johnny Depp to the stand as a witness.
It was previously reported Depp would be the third witness called to the stand for a cross-examination in the ongoing defamation trial. At the time of writing, the reason for the change is unknown. He previously took to the stand in April to provide his testimony.
Depp is currently suing Heard for a total of $50 million, claiming her 2018 op-ed, published in the Washington Post defamed him and damaged his career, though Heard did not mention Depp by name in the piece. Depp's legal team has argued references to him, coupled with Heard's previous abuse allegations, were enough to cause damages to Depp's reputation. Heard has denied the accusations and has counter-sued Depp for $100 million.
Over the course of the trial, Heard has accused Depp of physical and emotional abuse ranging from threats to attempted murder. She previously claimed, "This is a man who tried to kill me. Of course it's scary. He's also my husband." However, when later questioned about why she would gift Depp with a knife, despite claims he would often get drunk and abuse her, she said, "I wasn't worried he was going to stab me with it."
In the wake of the televised legal proceedings, fans have reportedly rallied behind Depp with numerous petitions being launched to help boost his career. As an example, the hashtag #NoJohnnyNoPirates began trending recently on Twitter, as fans called for Disney to rehire the actor for the next instalment in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise.