Among the several celebrities who have been linked to the defamation trial for Johnny Depp and Aquaman star Amber Heard, James Franco is perhaps the most controversial. Franco was supposedly in line to testify on Heard's behalf via video link, but it was announced that he would not have to appear in the Virginia courtroom after all.
Franco, who has been keeping a low profile over the past couple of years due to separate allegations against him, was recently thrust into the spotlight after Heard's legal team included him in its list of potential witnesses. His absence could be yet another devastating loss for Heard, who is already facing heavy opposition for her return as Mera in the Aquaman sequel.
Just days after the announcement was made, Franco was spotted having the time of his life at an engagement party for his two friends, Lisle Richards and Mathew Shurka. A video clip showing Franco dancing and cheering at the intimate event has led to the speculation that he couldn't be any less bothered by the Depp trial. However, Franco has not made any statements regarding his stance on the dispute as of late.
During his own testimony, Depp said that he believed Heard was having an affair with Franco while they were married. Tensions reportedly arose between the former couple after Heard was cast alongside Franco in 2015's The Adderall Diaries. Heard claims that Depp threw a tantrum on a private jet during one of their fights over the role and that he has been jealous of Franco ever since.
Depp's concerns over the suspected affair were then reinforced by court-obtained surveillance footage, which showed Franco riding an elevator with Heard the day after she split up with Depp. Heard claims that Franco had asked her what happened to her face, implying that she had sustained injuries after her fight with Depp, though other witnesses have testified to not seeing any marks or visual evidence of such.
Heard is expected to give her much-anticipated testimony this week, and despite his absence, Franco's involvement in Depp and Heard's relationship will likely be brought up in front of the jury once again. Yet, even without Franco's testimony, insiders believe that the Aquaman actress will still be a "highly effective weapon" in her $100M countersuit. The defamation trial is expected to end on May 19 with the judge's final verdict.
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is set to hit U.S. theaters on March 17, 2023.
Source: nydoorman | Instagram