By Lisa Richwine

(Reuters) – Johnny Depp will likely return to witness duty Wednesday in a $50m defamation case he claimed he brought to expose his affair with Amber Heard. Amber Heard has been accused of abuse.

Depp claimed that Heard and he argued in Virginia, where he didn’t strike his wife. Depp wanted to rectify the record regarding his conduct for his own children and himself.

Depp spoke slowly and softly. Heard made some disturbing allegations about Depp’s violent behavior during their six-year relationship.

Depp, who was dressed in dark suits and had his hair pulled back, said that he never reached the level of striking Ms. Heard.

Depp was in high school with his two children, who were from a previous marriage.

“Truth is the only thing I’m interested in,” he added. “I’m obsessed with the truth.”

Depp (58) alleges that Heard (35) defamed her when she wrote a Washington Post opinion piece about December 2018, being a victim of domestic abuse. Heard was sued for $50,000,000 in 2018 by Depp.

Although Depp was not mentioned in the article, Benjamin Chew, a Depp lawyer told jurors that Heard clearly referred to the Hollywood star.

Heard attorneys argued that Depp told the truth, and that the First Amendment protects free speech. Heard’s lawyers stated that Depp had physically and sexually assaulted them while they were using drugs and alcohol.

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.

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 assaulted by Depp and put in danger for her safety, according to a London High Court judge.

In the U.S. case, Depp and Heard both submitted long lists of potential witnesses they may call, including Heard’s ex-boyfriend and Tesla (NASDAQ:) Chief Executive Elon Musk and actor James Franco.

Depp’s lawyers have said they filed the case in Fairfax County, outside the District of Columbia, because the Washington Post is printed at a facility there. The Washington Post does not appear to be a defendant.

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.

Heard, who is best known for his roles in “Aquaman’ and “Justice League,” brought her own libel case against Depp. He claimed he made her look bad by calling her an a fool.

Heard’s counterclaim for $100 million of damages will also be considered as part the trial.