Paul Bettany Says He and Johnny Depp ‘Hadn’t Spoken’ in Years When Their Texts Were Read During Amber Heard Libel Trial

Actor Paul Bettany has recently revisited the controversial text messages he exchanged with Johnny Depp regarding Amber Heard. These messages, which have drawn significant scrutiny, were brought to light during Depp’s libel trial against The Sun in 2020 and again during his highly publicised court battle with Heard in 2022.

Bettany, who is currently promoting his new Disney+ series “VisionQuest,” shared his thoughts in an interview with The Times, revealing his discomfort with the publication and interpretation of these messages. He noted that the correspondence was meant to be humorous, yet it was weaponised in a legal context that he found perplexing. Bettany explained that he had not been in contact with Depp for years before the revelations, making the portrayal of him as a close confidant in the trial even more startling.

Between 2010 and 2015, Bettany and Depp collaborated on three films, during which their friendship blossomed. However, the dynamics shifted dramatically when Depp became romantically involved with Heard in 2013. The couple married in 2015 but separated a year later, leading to a series of lawsuits that would dominate headlines for years. Depp’s legal battles were sparked by an op-ed Heard penned for The Washington Post in 2018, where she described herself as a victim of domestic abuse, prompting Depp to sue for defamation. Heard counter-sued, accusing Depp of launching a smear campaign against her.

Reflecting on the tumultuous period, Bettany described it as “a very interesting time.” He shared his dismay at being drawn into a highly publicised dispute involving two celebrities, stating, “I was being painted as this close friend of a guy I hadn’t spoken to in years… that bit was the most odd.” With the added pressure of public scrutiny, he felt that remaining silent was his best option, asserting that people who know him would understand his character.

During the trials, Depp characterised Bettany as a “good friend” and acknowledged their shared past, admitting to having used drugs together. In a troubling exchange of messages, Depp suggested “Let’s burn Amber,” to which Bettany responded with a sarcastic suggestion about a “drowning test,” which he claimed was referencing British comedy. In court, Depp defended these comments as merely jokes inspired by Monty Python sketches, asserting they were not meant to be taken seriously.

Bettany has previously discussed how the text messages left him feeling “embarrassed,” highlighting the importance of context in understanding the exchanges. He emphasised that he had not been part of Depp and Heard’s relationship and had no knowledge of the more serious issues at play during their marriage. Bettany stated, “We live in a world without context. I didn’t know Johnny when he was married to Amber. I knew him before.”

The actor’s comments reflect a wider issue regarding privacy in the age of smartphones. He pointed out the discomfort of having one’s personal communications dissected in public forums, suggesting that very few people would be at ease with their private messages being scrutinised by legal experts.

In 2022, Depp was awarded $15 million in damages following the trial, while Heard secured $2 million against Depp. Ultimately, the couple settled their defamation cases in December 2022, with Heard paying Depp $1 million, a sum he pledged to donate to charity. This conclusion brought a turbulent chapter in their lives to a close, though its repercussions continue to resonate within the film industry and beyond.

As Bettany navigates his own career amidst these revelations, he seems committed to maintaining a low profile, valuing the tranquil life he has cultivated outside the spotlight. With nearly 25 years of marriage to actress Jennifer Connelly, Bettany’s priorities appear to lie firmly with his family and professional projects, away from the controversies that have marked the recent history of his former friend.