Amber Heard’s private investigator, Paul Barresi, hired to dig up dirt on Johnny Depp, was taken aback by the overwhelming support for Depp, despite the abuse allegations against him. In Barresi’s new self-published book, “Johnny Depp’s Accidental Fixer,” released on July 5, he recalls interviewing 100 people ahead of Depp’s libel trials against Heard, only to find the majority still on the star’s side.
According to Mail Online, those interviewed described Depp as a “gentleman’s gentleman” and someone who “doesn’t have a mean bone in his body,” despite the serious accusations leveled against him. Barresi’s investigation journey was aimed at uncovering the truth about Depp, regardless of whether the findings favored Heard’s legal team. Hired by Heard’s lawyers in July 2019, Barresi was tasked with turning up information that could be used against Depp in both the UK and US defamation trials.
In the 2020 libel case in London, Depp lost against a UK newspaper that had branded him a “wife-beater.” The judge ruled that Depp had put Heard in fear for her life. However, in the US, a second libel trial in Virginia against Heard ruled in Depp’s favor. The jury awarded Depp a total of $15 million – $10 million in compensation and $5 million in punitive damages.
Barresi did not specify which case he was working on, but his task was to “delve into the life and history of Johnny Depp to uncover evidence of his alleged physical abuse towards women.” Contrary to Heard’s team’s hopes, Barresi’s findings painted a more positive picture of Depp.
In his book, Barresi expressed admiration for Depp, noting that he felt a “deep empathy for his struggles and triumphs.” He wrote, “Through this journey, I aimed to honor our shared humanity, shedding light on the man behind the myths and offering a narrative grounded in genuine understanding and compassion.”
The revelations in Barresi’s book add another layer to the complex narrative of the Depp vs. Heard legal battles, highlighting the unexpected support Depp received even amid serious allegations. As Barresi’s account gains attention, it underscores the multifaceted perspectives surrounding the high-profile case and the enduring public interest in the lives of these celebrities.