Johnny Depp is planning to sue Amber Heard for libel

The opening statements in Johnny Depp’s defamation action against his ex-wife Amber Heard in the United States are due on Tuesday, the latest chapter in the two Hollywood stars’ long-running legal struggle.

Depp, 58, has filed a $50 million lawsuit against Heard, alleging that she defamed him in a 2018 Washington Post opinion piece about being a domestic abuse survivor.

Depp’s lawyers allege that although though the op-ed did not mention Depp by name, it was clear that Heard, 35, was referring to him and that the essay injured his film career and reputation.

Depp, well known for his role in the “Pirates of the Caribbean” film franchise, has denied all allegations of sexual misconduct.

A state court judge in Fairfax County, Virginia is overseeing the trial, which could last six weeks. A jury was chosen on Monday, and opening statements are scheduled to begin on Tuesday.

Less than two years ago, Depp lost a libel case against The Sun, a British tabloid, in which he was dubbed a “wife beater.” According to a London High Court judge, Heard was often assaulted and put in fear of her life.

Both Depp and Heard submitted lengthy lists of possible witnesses to testify in the US lawsuit.

Heard’s list includes her ex-boyfriend and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, whom she texted about Depp. James Franco, an actor, is also on the list of potential witnesses.

Depp wants jurors to find that Heard intentionally made false charges.

Heard will argue that she has told the truth and is thus immune from liability because her 2018 op-ed on domestic violence addressed an issue of public concern.

“I never gave him a name. Rather, I wrote on the cost women face when they come up against powerful males. I’m still paying the price, but perhaps when this case is over, I’ll be able to move on, and Johnny will as well,” Heard said.