Hollywood star Johnny Depp, awaiting a ruling in a US defamation case involving his former wife Amber Heard, turned up on stage at a rock concert in British city of Sheffield on Sunday, surprising an unsuspecting crowd.
Depp appeared with English guitarist Jeff Beck to perform music covers, including John Lennon’s Isolation, a track on which they collaborated and released in 2020.
The Telegraph reports that Depp is planning to join Jeff Beck for the rest of his concert dates in the UK.
Jurors in Virginia deliberating the defamation claims from Depp and Heard adjourned on Friday without returning a verdict.
They will resume discussions on Tuesday after the US Memorial Day holiday.
On his tour of the UK, the Pirates of the Caribbean star will probably miss the climax of his bitter court battle to appear in cities including Manchester, York, Birmingham and Gateshead.
Depp’s UK tour appearances are reportedly causing venues security concerns, as they expect to have to manage his diehard fans and supporters of Heard, who could protest outside.
The Telegraph reports that the Royal Albert Hall in London, where Beck plays twice this week, chose to increase security after learning Depp would be performing.
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The fate of actors Johnny Depp and Amber Heard is now in the hands of jurors. AP -
Heard's lawyer Benjamin Rottenborn told jurors in closing arguments that if they believe Depp abused his ex-wife, physically or mentally, 'Amber wins'. AP -
Depp on a break in between closing arguments. Getty Images / AFP -
Depp breaks during closing arguments in the defamation trial he brought against his ex-wife. Getty Images / AFP -
Depp takes a break with Beechy Colclough. Getty Images / AFP -
Depp waves to screaming fans on a break. Getty Images / AFP -
Throngs of Depp's fans have gathered outside the Fairfax County Courthouse throughout the six-week trial. Getty Images / AFP -
One morning, Depp said that he would make all his fans pancakes for breakfast. Getty Images / AFP -
Heard’s lawyer Benjamin Rottenborn encouraged jurors to read her 'Washington Post' op-ed again. AFP -
Heard speaks with her legal team in the courtroom. AFP -
Depp leaves the courtroom during a break. AFP -
Depp's lawyer Benjamin Chew gives closing arguments. AFP -
Spectators listen to Mr Chew give his closing arguments. EPA -
For six weeks, the gallery has been packed with Depp fans. EPA -
Depp listens as his lawyer gives closing arguments. Reuters -
Depp's lawyer Camille Vasquez gives closing arguments. AFP -
Heard leaves during a break in the trial. AFP -
Heard’s lawyer Elaine Bredehoft speaks during closing arguments. AFP -
Heard speaks with her legal team. AFP -
Depp smirked and raised his eyebrows through much of the closing arguments. Reuters
Depp, 58, sued the actress for $50 million, claiming she defamed him when she called herself "a public figure representing domestic abuse" in an opinion piece she wrote.
Heard, 36, countersued for $100m, saying Depp smeared her reputation when his lawyer called her accusations a "hoax".
Depp fans took to Instagram and Twitter to share their views of the American actor's performance at Sheffield on Sunday.
"Johnny is an absolute mad man … leaves court Friday … playing a gig in Sheffield UK Sunday … with Jeff Beck … mind blown," Twitter user @OneloveEarth said.
On Instagram, one user "wasn’t expecting this … I thought he was in court but turns out he’s in Sheffield with Jeff Beck".
