Johnny Depp libel trial: Winona Ryder and Vanessa Paradis's witness statements in full

The witness statements of two of Johnny Depp's former partners - the Hollywood star Winona Ryder and French singer Vanessa Paradis - have been released to the media in full.

The High Court heard on Thursday that the women will no longer be called to give evidence in Depp's libel claim against The Sun's publisher News Group Newspapers over an article that labelled him a "wife beater".

They were due to appear via video-link this week, but the actor's barrister David Sherborne told the court that Depp's legal team had decided there is no need to hear from them.

Ryder was in a relationship with Depp for four years and the couple were engaged from 1990 to 1993.

She told lawyers she found Amber Heard's allegations "horrific".

This is her statement in full:

"I knew Johnny very well years ago. We were together as a couple for four years, and I counted him as my best friend, and as close to me as family.

"I count our relationship as one of the more significant relationships of my life.

"I understand that it is very important that I speak from my own experience, as I obviously was not there during his marriage to Amber, but, from my experience, which was so wildly different, I was absolutely shocked, confused and upset when I heard the accusations against him.

"The idea that he is an incredibly violent person is the farthest thing from the Johnny I knew and loved.

"I cannot wrap my head around these accusations. He was never, never violent towards me. He was never, never abusive at all towards me.

"He has never been violent or abusive towards anybody I have seen. I truly and honestly only know him as a really good man - an incredibly loving, extremely caring guy who was so very protective of me and the people that he loves, and I felt so very, very safe with him.

"I do not want to call anyone a liar but from my experience of Johnny, it is impossible to believe that such horrific allegations are true. I find it extremely upsetting knowing him as I do."

Paradis, who is also an actress and model, was with Depp for 14 years.

The couple have two children together - Lily-Rose, 21, and Jack, 18.

This is her statement in full:

"I have known Johnny for more than 25 years.

"We've been partners for 14 years and we raised our two children together.

"Through all these years I've known Johnny to be a kind, attentive, generous, and non-violent person and father.

"On movie sets the actors, directors and entire crews adore him because he is humble and respectful to everyone, as well as being one of the best actors we've seen.

"I am aware of the allegations which Amber Heard has publicly accused Johnny of for more than four years now. This is nothing like the true Johnny I have known, and from my personal experience of many years, I can say he was never violent or abusive to me.

"I have seen that these outrageous statements have been really distressing, and also caused damage to his career because unfortunately people have gone on believing these false facts.

"This is so upsetting as he has helped so many persons in his personal and professional life, with kindness and generosity."

The case is due to last for at least three weeks.

SHARE THIS STORY:

Get our app, and stay up to date!