Person Kate James Depp v. Heard← All People
Witness

Kate James

Courtroom still of Kate James.

Amber Heard’s former personal assistant, who testified by videotape about her work and what she observed.

2022 Defamation Trial Apr 11 – Jun 1, 2022
Called by defendant
359 lines 3 proceedings 11 highlights

About

Kate James testified that she had frequent contact with Heard during nearly three years as her personal assistant. She said she did not observe injuries on Heard or violence between Heard and Johnny Depp during that time. She also described conflicts with Heard at work and characterized Depp as peaceful.

Heard’s counsel questioned James about roughly ten contacts with Adam Waldman, a meeting with Camille Vasquez, her financial circumstances when her employment ended, and her request to live rent-free in a Depp-owned property. Counsel also confronted her with earlier sworn testimony confirming that a disparaging Depp text referred to Heard, contrary to her account in this proceeding. James said she had given the earlier answer to be agreeable.

Trial Record (3)

2022 Defamation Trial Apr 11, 2022 – Jun 1, 2022 3 proceedings

Day 3

Direct Direct Examination of Kate James Kate James J. Benjamin Rottenborn 3 194
Summary

Heard's counsel questions ex-personal assistant on Waldman contacts, absence of observed violence, and impeaches her with contradictory UK trial testimony about a Depp text.

Highlights (3)
Cross Cross Examination of Kate James Kate James Camille Vasquez 4 158
Summary

Vasquez elicits James's account of three years as Heard's assistant: no injuries observed, Depp described as peaceful, and Heard's verbal abuse and substance use detailed.

Highlights (4)
Quote

“Similar to if someone was on some sort of amphetamine drug, moving very fast, not making a lot of sense, hyperorganizing, hypertasking, just very, very hyper.”

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Redirect Redirect Examination of Kate James Kate James J. Benjamin Rottenborn 4 7
Summary

On redirect, Rottenborn asked James about Heard's insecurity, Depp's substance use, and whether insecurity or feeling 'smothered' could justify abuse. James declined to answer the final questions.

Highlights (4)

Evidence From Their Proceedings (6)

Digital Communications Admitted

Depp to Kate James 'Flabby Ass' Text, August 13, 2016 (Def. Ex. 844)

A text message from August 13, 2016 in which Johnny Depp wrote to Kate James, 'Come over for a spot of purple and we'll fix her flabby ass nice and good,' referring disparagingly…

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Digital Communications Unclear

Heard–Kate James Affectionate Text Exchange

A text exchange between Amber Heard and Kate James (Heard's former personal assistant) containing affectionate messages including 'I love you' and 'Love you too, hon.'

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Digital Communications Unclear

Heard–Kate James Email (c. Feb 12 2015, Depp Ex. 4)

An email purportedly from Amber Heard to Kate James dated on or about February 12, 2015.

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Digital Communications Unclear

Heard–Kate James Email Chain (Early Feb 2015, Depp Ex. 5)

An email chain between Amber Heard and Kate James from early February 2015, including a message in which Heard wrote in all caps.

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Digital Communications Unclear

Heard–Kate James Employment Termination Email

An email exchange between Amber Heard and Kate James regarding James's termination of employment, referencing six weeks' severance, financial difficulties, and James's request for…

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Testimonial Unclear

Kate James UK Trial Testimony Transcript (Day 7, p. 1221)

Transcript of Kate James's prior sworn testimony from day seven of the UK Sun libel trial (Depp v. News Group Newspapers, page 1221).

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