Johnny Depp is set to return to court for allegedly assaulting a crew member on set in 2017

In the wake of the celebrity defamation trial that held our interest for six long weeks, it looks like Johnny Depp will be back in the courtroom by the end of next month.

While Depp v Heard split public opinion and sparked much larger conversations, the seven-member jury ultimately sided with Depp, awarding him $10 million in compensatory damages. Heard was awarded $2 million in compensatory damages.

Depp’s next legal battle comes in the form of an alleged assault filed by Gregg “Rocky” Brooks in 2018. Brooks worked as a location manager on the crew of City of Lies — a film about the murder of The Notorious B.I.G. — and claims that he lost his job for refusing to sign a declaration stating that he would not sue the production company.

The fourteen-page court documents, filed by Brooks, detail the allegations of verbal and physical assault carried out in Los Angeles. According to Brooks, the production team had permission to film at Barclay Hotel for a set amount of time, but things ran over.

When the location manager attempted to enforce the curfew, Depp intervened, shouting expletives at Brooks. “You have no right to tell me what to do,” Depp is said to have shouted. Depp is then said to have punched Mr Brooks twice in the ribs.

The legal documents also state that Depp’s bodyguards removed the actor from set, that he “reeked of alcohol”, and took drugs on set. Brooks also states that Depp offered him $100,000 to punch him in the face.

When the Depp v Heard verdict was delivered, Brooks’ lawyer — Pat Harris — told The Sun that while he respected the jury’s decision, it has no bearing on Brooks’ case.

“Brooks’ case is not about two Hollywood celebrities involved in a toxic relationship. It is about the assault of a hard-working film crew member by the star of the production,” Harris said. “Mr. Brooks looks forward to his day in court.”

Brooks is not only suing Johnny Depp, but is taking action against director Brad Furman, Good Film Productions and Infinitum Nihil, a production company founded by Depp. He is suing for intentional infliction of emotional distress, assault and battery, and negligence, among other damages.

Legal proceedings are set to begin on 25 July in the Los Angeles County Superior Court.

Photography via Law & Crime Network.