By Lisa Richwine

(Reuters) -Film actor Johnny Depp said Tuesday that he had never struck Amber Heard, his ex-wife. He was trying to defend his accusation in a $50 million case of defamation in order to shield his children against false information.

Depp spoke softly, slowly and in Virginia. Heard made “some very heinous” and “disturbing” claims that Depp became violent during their marriage six years back.

Depp spoke out in dark suits and a ponytail.

The “Pirates of the Caribbean” star stated that he felt it was his responsibility to defend himself and also stand up for his children. His children from a prior relationship were both in high school, he stated.

“It’s very strange when one day you’re Cinderella so to speak, and then in 0.6 seconds you’re Quasimodo,” Depp added.

He added, “I didn’t deserve this, neither did I nor my children. Nor did those who believed in and supported me throughout all of these years.”

Depp, who is 58 years old, claims that Heard, 35 has defamed his character when she published a Washington Post article in December 2018 about her experience as a domestic abuse survivor. Heard was sued for $50,000,000 in 2018 by Depp.

While Depp’s name was never mentioned in the article by any means, Benjamin Chew from Depp’s legal team told jurors last week that Heard had clearly been referring to the Hollywood actor.

Heard attorneys argued that Heard told the truth. Her opinion was therefore protected by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

Fairfax County’s state judge is leading the trial. The trial has just entered its second week, and it is likely to continue for six more weeks.

Depp’s attorneys called several witnesses, including friends and doctors who treated the actor for substance abuse. They testified that although they had witnessed arguments between Depp and Heard, the witnesses did not witness any physical abuse.

Less than two years ago, Depp lost a libel case against The Sun, a British tabloid that labeled him a “wife beater.” Heard was repeatedly attacked by Depp and put in danger for her safety, according to a London High Court judge.

Depp, Heard and other witnesses were both listed in the U.S. case.

Heard’s list includes her ex-boyfriend and Tesla (NASDAQ:) Chief Executive Elon Musk, with whom she texted about Depp. James Franco is another possible witness.

The Washington Post isn’t a defendant. Depp’s lawyers have said they filed the case in Fairfax County, outside the District of Columbia, because the newspaper is printed at a facility there.

For libel plaintiffs, the United States can be a challenging forum, especially for public figures like Depp. They must show by clear evidence that Heard knew of false claims.

Depp and Heard met while making 2011 film “The Rum Diary” and married four years later. Heard claimed that Depp had been accused of domestic abuse by Heard after he filed for divorce.

Heard, who is best known for his roles in “Aquaman,” and “Justice League”, has brought her own lawsuit against Depp. He claimed that Depp smeared him by calling her an liar.

Heard’s counterclaim is part of the trial. Court papers state that Heard claims $100 million of damages against Depp.

Following the November 2020 ruling in the London libel trial, Depp was replaced with Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen in the third film in the “Fantastic Beasts” franchise, a spin-off from the “Harry Potter” books and films.