This article deals with content that some may find distressing, including descriptions of violence.
Johnny Depp allegedly sent texts to a friend threatening to "burn and drown" his then-wife Amber Heard, a London court has heard.
The violent messages were read aloud in front of Depp at a pre-trial hearing for his lawsuit against UK tabloid The Sun and its executive editor, New Zealand-born Dan Wootton, over an article that claimed Depp had been abusive to Heard.
A text allegedly sent by the Pirates of the Caribbean star to friend and fellow actor Paul Bettany in 2013 reportedly said: "Let's burn Amber".
The following day, Depp allegedly followed up by writing: "Let's drown her before we burn her!"
In the same message, Depp made another obscene comment that referenced him carrying out an act of necrophilia.
According to The Independent, the judge was informed that 70,000 of Depp's private messages were accidentally disclosed to the defendants by the actor's former legal team.
Further messages shared at the hearing appear to highlight Depp's struggles with substance abuse.
"I'm gonna properly stop the booze thing darling," he allegedly wrote to Bettany in 2014.
"Drank all night before I picked Amber up to fly to LA, this past Sunday."
"Ugly, mate... No food for days... Powders... Half a bottle of whiskey, a thousand red bull and vodkas, pills, two bottles of champers on plane and what do you get...???
"An angry, aggro Injun in a f**king blackout, screaming obscenities and insulting any f**k who got near... I'm done."
Depp sat behind his lawyer, who told the court the upcoming case would feature "diametrically opposed" versions of events from Depp and Heard.
"One person, one side, is lying, and one is not," he said. "Obviously, we say that it is Ms Heard [who is lying], Mr Depp is 100 percent clear about that."
Earlier this year, Heard appeared to admit to hitting Depp in leaked audio obtained by the Daily Mail.
Where to find help and support:
- Shine (domestic violence) - 0508 744 633
- Women's Refuge - 0800 733 843 (0800 REFUGE)
- Need to Talk? - Call or text 1737
- What's Up - 0800 WHATS UP (0800 942 8787)
- Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland
- Youthline - 0800 376 633, text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
- Samaritans - 0800 726 666
- Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757
- Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
- Shakti Community Council - 0800 742 584
