It was unlikely that a beauty brand would become central to the Johnny Depp vs Amber Heard civil lawsuit – but that is the case.
Drugstore brand Milani Cosmetics became involved in the defamation trial – in which the Pirates of the Caribbean actor is suing his ex-wife for libel for US$50m, while her countersue is seeking $100m – when Heard named its Conceal & Perfect Concealer Kit (pictured) as the product she used to cover bruises she says were inflicted by Depp in 2016.
The opening statement by the Aquaman star’s lawyer, Elaine Bredehoft, said: “This is what Amber carried in her purse the entire relationship with Johnny Depp,” showing the Milani product.
“This is what she used, she became very adept at it,” added Bredehoft.
She also explained how Heard had learnt how to mix the colours as the bruises developed.
According to the brand’s TikTok, however, Milani did not launch its palette until December 2017 – months after the relationship is said to have ended.
The video, titled “You asked us… let the record show that our Correcting Kit launched in 2017”, shows members of the Milani team at its offices resurfacing press releases containing the sku’s release dates.
“Pause to read,” it said in the video: “Take note: alleged abuse was around 2014-2016, got divorced 2016, make-up palette release date: December 2017.”
Heard, who met Depp on the set of The Rum Diary, filed for divorce on 23 May 2016 and also obtained a temporary restraining order against the 58-year-old, reported Insider.
A petition to have Heard removed as L’Oréal global spokesperson from the brand began in 2020 during the widespread media coverage of another lawsuit between the former couple in the UK.
The 36-year-old is still part of the French beauty company’s entourage of faces, which she joined in 2018, appearing in the L’Oréal Paris fashion show in October 2021.
Depp has also appeared as the frontman for multiple Dior fragrances, including its Sauvage portfolio.
The trial is ongoing in Virginia, US.
