Johnny Depp superfan spends $30,000 to attend trial in person

Ivan De Boer says she has used all her paid holiday time to be at the trial in Virginia

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  Fans of Johnny Depp wait outside the Fairfax County Circuit Court in Virginia. AFP

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  Fans wait for Johnny Depp to arrive before the start of Depp v Heard, outside the courthouse. EPA

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  Johnny Depp's $50 million defamation lawsuit against Amber Heard is expected to last for five or six weeks. EPA

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  The star of the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' films is suing Heard, saying she defamed him when she claimed to be a victim of domestic abuse. EPA

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  Heard has consequently countersued Depp for $100m, claiming she suffered “rampant physical violence and abuse” at his hands. EPA

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  One fan of Johnny Depp said she spent $30,000 to get to the trial. EPA

A Johnny Depp superfan has shelled out $30,000 to line up outside a courtroom for a chance to watch the actor’s defamation trial against ex-wife Amber Heard in person.

Ivan De Boer, 59, from Los Angeles, has used her paid holiday time to be one of the first to wait outside the Fairfax County Courthouse in order to get a wristband to be allowed inside during the explosive trial between the formerly married stars.

She told People magazine that she has spent about $30,000 on expenses so far.

"I took my whole year's vacation so I could be here for Johnny," she said. "I'm the same age as Johnny. I'm single, so I do what I want to, basically."

When asked if she had any regrets about spending so much, she said: "No regrets. I'd regret it more if I wasn't here."

However, she isn’t the only one who has spent a considerable amount to support the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory star.

Another Depp fan who came out in support of the actor is Sharon Smith. Smith, 52, put her belongings in storage in the UK and decided to fly to Virginia so she could see the trial when it began on April 11.

When the trial is not in session, she flies to Los Angeles, then back to Virginia when proceedings resume — a costly affair. "I've been coming back and forth from LA, so you're looking at $600 to $700 each time, 10 hours of your life in the air. But yeah, hotel, food, drinks, about $10,000," she told People of her spending so far.

The star of the Pirates of the Caribbean films is suing Heard for $50 million, saying she defamed him when she claimed to be a victim of domestic abuse. The Aquaman star consequently countersued Depp for $100m, claiming she suffered “rampant physical violence and abuse” at his hands.

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  The Johnny Depp-Amber Heard trial continues into its 15th day. AP

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  Heard and Depp in the courtroom. AP

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  Spectators fill the courtroom before the start of the Depp v Heard defamation trial. AFP

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  Actress Amber Heard takes the stand for day two of evidence. EPA

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  Evidence presented in the $50 million Depp v Heard defamation trial shows a photo of actor Johnny Depp passed out. EPA

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  Evidence shown during the trial. EPA

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  A photo shows Depp passed out on a floor. EPA

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  Judge Penney Azcarate speaks with lawyers during the trial. EPA

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  Heard becomes emotional as she speaks in the courtroom. AP

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  Johnny Depp's latest supply of sweets. Reuters

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  Heard said that her ex-husband once kicked her to the floor of a plane with his boot. AFP

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  Heard said Johnny Depp tried to control what roles she took. Reuters

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  Depp leaves for a recess. AFP

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  Depp insists that her never harmed ex-wife Heard. EPA

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  A photo showing Depp falling asleep while sitting up appears on a monitor. EPA

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  Heard said her ex-husband's handlers and staff enabled his behaviour by doing nothing. EPA

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  Evidence of Depp's abuse used in court by Heard's defence team. EPA

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  Evidence in the Depp v Heard defamation trial. EPA

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  Depp arrives at the Fairfax County Circuit Courthouse. AFP

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  Heard filed for divorce after 15 months of marriage. EPA

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  Heard and Depp met when they were cast in 'The Rum Diary'. Reuters

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  Heard and Depp in better times. AP

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  Heard said that after the Met Gala, she believes Depp broke her nose. Reuters

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  Heard at the premiere of 'Aquaman'. AP