Winona Ryder to testify that Johnny Depp was ‘never violent’ to her during libel trial

Actor’s trial against The Sun continues this week

Winona Ryder will testify on behalf of Johnny Depp during his libel trial this week.

Ryder, who was engaged to Depp from 1990 to 1993, is due to appear in the High Court via video link on Wednesday (15 July) as part of his ongoing trial against The Sun newspaper.

The Pirates of the Caribbean actor is suing the British publication for referring to him as a “wife beater” in reference to allegations that he physically attacked ex-wife Amber Heard throughout their relationship.

The pair met in 1989 when Depp was 26 and Ryder was 17, going on to star opposite each other in Edward Scissorhands in 1990. They were together for four years before ending their engagement.

As reported by The Times, Ryder will tell the court about her relationship with Depp, with her statement describing how he was never “abusive” or “violent” towards her and was an "extremely caring guy".

“I counted him as my best friend, and as close to me as family,” her statement reads. “I obviously was not there during his marriage to Amber, but, from my experience, which was so wildly different, I was absolutely shocked, confused and upset when I heard the accusations against him.

“The idea that he is an incredibly violent person is the farthest thing from the Johnny I knew and loved. I cannot wrap my head around these accusations … I felt so very, very safe with him.”

Lawyers for The Sun had reportedly tried to block Depp’s former partners Ryder and Vanessa Paradis from giving evidence, claiming that they did not see “their relevance”.

The trial began last week, with Depp claiming that Heard’s domestic abuse allegations are a “hoax” built up over years as an “insurance policy”.