Tracey Jacobs
Tracey Jacobs was Johnny Depp's talent agent for approximately 30 years, representing him first at ICM and then at United Talent Agency (UTA). She oversaw his career during his peak years, when he became one of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood. She was called as a witness by Heard's legal team and testified via deposition designation.
Testimony Impact
Jacobs testified that while Depp rose to become the industry's biggest star, his conduct deteriorated significantly in his final decade: chronic lateness on virtually every film, increasing substance abuse, and eroding crew goodwill. She confirmed his anger and impatience worsened over time but denied ever witnessing him physically abuse a woman and knew of no other accusers. On cross, Chew elicited Depp's deal terms — $5M for Orient Express and $25M with a back end for Pirates 5 — to rebut career-harm claims, and Jacobs confirmed Depp was never fired during this period despite his unprofessionalism. On redirect, she recounted Depp's extraordinary demand that UTA give him $20 million outright — not a loan — which UTA leadership declined, and confirmed his reputation had already dimmed before Heard's op-ed due to his own conduct.
Notable Quotes From The Record
“He became the biggest star in the world.”
Establishes the height of Depp's career under Jacobs' representation, against which his subsequent decline is measured.
“Showing up late to set, consistently, on, virtually, every movie.”
Concrete description of the on-set conduct Jacobs personally witnessed and repeatedly warned Depp about during the final decade of her representation.
“But crews don't love sitting around for hours and hours and hours waiting for the star of the movie to show up.”
Describes the practical consequence of Depp's chronic lateness on his standing within the industry.
“His lawsuits don't help.”
Industry-insider assessment of Depp's reputational standing at the time of trial, offered by his former long-term agent.
“No.”
Jacobs confirms she knew of no other woman besides Heard who accused Depp of physical abuse — directly limiting the scope of abuse claims to this relationship.
“That we were able to secure a loan for him through Bank of America when Ed White couldn't get him any money, and it was very helpful to him.”
Jacobs explains the 'good news' notation on Depp Exhibit 5, contextualizing Depp's financial distress and the agency's role in securing a loan.
“Yeah, he got paid 25 million with a back end.”
Establishes Depp's high earning power through Pirates 5, countering claims that his career was financially ruined.
“That's not what I said, but I said he became the biggest movie star in the world.”
Jacobs corrects Bredehoft's paraphrase, preserving precision in her prior characterization of Depp's peak career status.
“Because his star had dimmed due to it getting harder to get him jobs, given the reputation that he had acquired due to his lateness and other things.”
Jacobs confirms Depp's career decline predated the op-ed, attributing it to his own conduct and acquired reputation.
“Actually, it was I want you to give me $20 million. It was not discussed - the question was not asked as a loan.”
Jacobs draws a sharp distinction between Depp's demand for an outright gift versus a loan, characterizing it as an extraordinary and presumptuous ask.
“Yes. They said we're not in a position to give our clients that kind of money. We're not a bank.”
UTA's response to Depp's $20 million demand, underscoring how unusual the request was even within a long and lucrative client relationship.
Key Moments
Jacobs describes Depp's chronic lateness on 'virtually every movie' and worsening substance abuse during his final decade at UTA, establishing a reputation decline rooted in his own conduct well before Heard's op-ed.
Day 19 · Direct of Tracey Jacobs
Bredehoft reads Depp's own deposition testimony characterizing Jacobs as part of a co-conspirator group with his business managers — a claim Jacobs flatly denies, turning his own prior sworn words against his credibility.
Day 19 · Direct of Tracey Jacobs
Chew leads Jacobs through a direct denial series: she never witnessed Depp hit, throw an object at, or kick a woman; never saw marks on Heard; and knew of no other woman who accused Depp of physical abuse.
Day 19 · Cross of Tracey Jacobs
Chew introduces Depp Exhibit 5 and elicits his deal terms — $5M for Murder on the Orient Express and $25M with a back end for Pirates 5 — directly countering claims that his earning capacity was destroyed.
Day 19 · Cross of Tracey Jacobs
Jacobs recounts Depp coming to UTA demanding they give — not loan — him $20 million outright, citing how much he had earned for the agency. UTA leadership declined, saying they were not a bank.
Day 19 · Redirect of Tracey Jacobs
Jacobs confirms Depp's star had 'dimmed' before the op-ed due to his lateness and 'other things,' directly supporting Heard's argument that his reputational harm predated and was independent of her Washington Post article.
Day 19 · Redirect of Tracey Jacobs
Locations
Evidence From Their Proceedings (4)
Rolling Stone Depp Exposé — Stephen Rodrick (June 21, 2018)
A June 21, 2018 Rolling Stone article by Stephen Rodrick offering an in-depth account of Depp's behavior, spending, and personal issues. Disney executives including Alan Horn…
Catalog entry →Depp Exhibit 5 — Jacobs 'Good News' Financing Doc
Depp Exhibit 5 — a financial document containing Jacobs's notation 'this is good news,' relating to a Bank of America loan secured for Depp.
Catalog entry →Depp–Jacobs Email re London Fields Dispute (Aug 29 2015)
An email from Johnny Depp to agent Tracey Jacobs dated August 29, 2015, concerning the London Fields film and a nudity-related dispute involving producers Jacobs identified as…
Catalog entry →Johnny Depp's November 2020 deposition testimony, read into the record, in which
Johnny Depp's November 2020 deposition testimony, read into the record, in which Depp described his reasons for terminating Jacobs and alleged conflicts of interest with Mandel…
Catalog entry →