Witness

Tina Newman

51 lines of testimony

Bio

Tina Newman is a Disney production executive who served as the company's corporate designee in response to a subpoena duces tecum issued during the trial. Her role gave her responsibility for gathering and reviewing internal Disney documents responsive to the subpoena, but her authority did not extend to casting or franchise decisions. She had no direct relationship to either party beyond Disney's professional history with Depp.

Testimony Impact

Newman testified that her review of Disney's documents uncovered no reference to Heard's December 2018 op-ed anywhere in the company's emails or IT systems, and that no internal discussions occurred about its impact on Depp's relationship with Disney. Depp's team introduced three deposition exhibits — internal emails circulating negative press coverage of Depp, including a Rolling Stone article Newman had described as "Depressing" — establishing that Disney tracked his reputational difficulties. When pressed on Pirates of the Caribbean 6, Newman could only confirm the project was "possibly in development," stating that casting decisions fell entirely above her level of authority. Her testimony as a whole closed off the documentary avenue Depp's damages case needed: no Disney record connected Heard's op-ed to any action or decision regarding his career.

Notable Quotes From The Record

“I was just going to say that decision doesn't fall within my job responsibilities. It's above my head, best way to say it”

Establishes the ceiling of Newman's knowledge — casting decisions on Pirates 6 are handled above her level, limiting what Disney's designee could actually confirm.

“Like I said, I just know that it's a project that's possibly in development at the studio. That's it.”

Newman's full characterization of her Pirates 6 knowledge — vague and second-hand, reinforcing she cannot speak to Depp's prospects.

“I don't know what the intent of the email is, but obviously we had a relationship as a company with Johnny, so I assume that's why she may be bringing it to their attention.”

Newman's interpretation of why Disney leadership was circulated negative press about Depp — framed as routine relationship monitoring, not alarm.

“I mean, no, not that I'm aware of.”

Direct answer when asked whether Heard's op-ed exists anywhere in Disney's email or IT systems — the clearest absence-of-evidence statement in the proceeding.

Key Moments

Newman is sworn in and identified as Disney's corporate designee, confirming she personally helped gather documents responsive to the subpoena duces tecum.