Johnny Depp and Amber Heard Prepare for Trial: How Both Sides Are Handling Their Divorce Drama

E! News learns the witnesses expected to take the stand later this month

By Mike Vulpo Aug 09, 2016 8:55 PMTags
Johnny Depp, Amber HeardLester Cohen/Amanda Edwards/WireImage

Johnny Depp and Amber Heard's divorce drama is headed to the courtroom.

Less than a week before a domestic violence restraining order hearing begins in Los Angeles, E! News has obtained court documents that show Amber's witness list.

According to documents, close friend Raquel Pennington and her boyfriend Joshua Drew "will testify to personal observations relating to incidents of domestic violence by [Johnny] including, but not limited to, the domestic violence incident which occurred on May 21, 2016."

Friend iO Tillet Wright is also slated to testify and share her "personal observations" relating to incidents of domestic violence. Back in June, she wrote an essay for Refinery29 explaining why she called police on Johnny. 

In comparison to Amber's list that has seven people, we can confirm that Johnny's witness list will have 23 people.

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According to documents obtained by E! News, two officers who responded to the May 21 incident will testify as well as two security guards who were in the unit on the day in question. Housekeeper Hilda Vargas will also testify about a "discovery" in the home.  The documents do not describe the discovery.

Johnny and Amber are also expected to take the stand and testify.

In regards to the exhibit list, court documents show that Johnny's side will include Amber's domestic violence report from the State of Washington. E! News can also confirm that Amber's exhibit list features "photographs depicting injuries," text messages between the couple and audio tapes relating to communication between 2015 and 2016.

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Evidence and witnesses aside, a source close to Amber tells E! News that Johnny doesn't want the divorce drama dragged out longer than it has to be. In addition, he wants things finalized as quickly as possible.

As for Amber, our source assured us that "Amber is ready to move forward and wants people to know the truth."

E! News has reached out to Johnny and Amber's team for additional comment.

For more information on domestic abuse or to get help for yourself/someone you love, visit the website for The National Domestic Violence Hotline or call 1-800-799-7233.

—Reporting by Alli Rosenbloom

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