Johnny Depp’s libel case against The Sun on hold because of coronavirus crisis

Johnny Depp’s libel case against The Sun on hold because of coronavirus crisis

Johnny Depp’s libel claim against The Sun newspaper over allegations that he was violent and abusive towards his ex-wife, Amber Heard, has been postponed due to the global coronavirus crisis.

The Pirates Of The Caribbean star is suing the tabloid’s publisher, News Group Newspapers (NGN), and its executive editor, Dan Wootton, over an April 2018 article which referred to the 56-year-old as a “wife-beater”.

A two-week trial was due to start in London on Monday, at which the actor, Ms Heard and a number of Hollywood figures would have had to give evidence.

But Mr Justice Nicol, who was to hear the case, said on Friday that he had “reached the reluctant conclusion” that the trial would have to be adjourned as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.