A mere month after winning his multi million defamation trial against ex-wife Amber Heard, Johnny Depp is once again facing allegations of physical and verbal assault.
The 59-year-old actor was set to stand trial in a Los Angeles County Superior Court later this month to face allegations stemming from an assault lawsuit filed by Gregg Brooks, a former location manager who accuses Depp of allegedly assaulting him on the set of City of Lies in 2017.
Camille Vasquez, who became a household name after representing Depp in his highly-publicised defamation case, has represented the actor in the lawsuit.
In in a new update, it’s been reported that Depp will settle the case outside of court.
The trial was set to commence on July 25, before a notice of settlement was filed earlier this week.
The terms of the settlement have not been released, however if both parties uphold the terms of the settlement the only time Depp may see the inside of a courtroom again will be on February 16 2023 for the cases dismissal hearing.
Below, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know about the case and Brook’s allegations.
Who Is Gregg Brooks?
Gregg Brooks is a location manager who worked with Depp on the film City Of Lies.
The Los Angeles-based crime-thriller saw Depp portray a retired LAPD detective and followed the investigation into the murders of rappers The Notorious B.I.G and Tupac Shakur.
The film was shot in Los Angeles in early 2017, where the alleged assault was claimed to have taken place.
Why Has Gregg Brooks Filed A Lawsuit Against Johnny Depp?
As per court paperwork, Gregg Brooks has filed a personal injury lawsuit against Johnny Depp for numerous counts, including assault and battery, after an alleged incident that occured in April 2017.
The suit, which was filed in July 2018, details that Depp allegedly assaulted Brooks after being informed that a night shoot had to be concluded because they had continuously extended city permits.
Reports claim that Depp allegedly physically and verbally assaulted Brooks.
As per US Weekly, Depp allegedly punched Brooks twice in the ribcage after being told that production would have to shut down for the evening. Brooks claims that Depp, whose breath “reeked of alcohol”, shouted “who the f–k are you? You have no right to tell me what to do!”
Brooks reports that Depp said “I will give you $100,000 to punch me in the face right now” and “continued to scream and berate him in front of a set full of people until Depp’s own bodyguards physically removed Depp from the scene”.
Brooks returned to the set of the film three days after the incident, and was allegedly fired after refusing to sign documentation that he would not sue the production team.
The film was eventually released a year after production wrapped.
The lawsuit also names the film’s director, Brad Furman, and the project’s production company, Good Films Productions, as defendants. Alongside the complaint of assault and battery, Brooks has filed counts of intentional infliction of emotional distress and negligence.
Following the alleged incident, Furhman gave a statement to US Weekly. “Johnny Depp is a consummate professional, great collaborator and a supporter of other artists. He always treats the crew and people around him with the utmost respect,” said the director.
What Has Johnny Depp Said About The Assault Allegations?
Johnny Depp is yet to comment on the allegations.
“In any confrontation between the two of them, no matter who started it, no matter who’s responsible, Johnny Depp is going to come out on top and our guy is going to come out damaged,” Brooks’ lawyer, Pat Harris, told Variety in 2019.
Depp’s lawyer Camille Vasquez is also yet to provide a statement either.
Where Can I Watch The Johnny Depp vs Gregg Brooks Trial?
Before the notice of settlement was released, it was revealed that the Law & Crime network, which broadcasted the Depp vs Heard trial, had requested to broadcast the trial. While this request was ultimately denied, it seems that the trial will no longer be proceeding.
The terms of the settlement have not been released, so it’s undisclosed as to what both parties have agreed to.
