TALK OF THE TOWN: Johnny Depp’s daughter Lily-Rose won’t get her day in court

It would have been the most high-profile performance of her fledgling career so far. But I’m sad to report we won’t get to see Lily-Rose Depp performing on the steps of the High Court, where she had planned to launch an impassioned defence of father Johnny for the world’s media.

I’m told the 21-year-old actress, whose mother is Johnny’s ex-partner Vanessa Paradis, was adamant that she wanted to deliver a very public speech outside the court in London, only to be forced to stand down by her dad’s legal team.

Johnny, 57, star of Pirates Of The Caribbean, is suing The Sun newspaper over a 2018 article that claimed he beat ex-wife Amber Heard, with eye-watering claims made by both sides in the explosive legal battle.

Lily-Rose Depp, pictured right, with her father Johnny, left, wanted to talk to the media outside the High Court in London during his court case in London

Amber Heard, pictured, appeared in London’s High Court during the libel trial 

American actress and model Amber, 34, claims that Johnny attacked her 14 times during their turbulent marriage, which he strenuously denies.

My source says: ‘In what was a highly unusual request, Lily-Rose was determined to publicly defend her father by addressing reporters outside the court. It was a very loving gesture, but unfortunately one that his legal team thought was not very prudent.

‘They had to step in and advise her that anything she said could jeopardise what has already become an expensive and complex trial. In other words, she could have brought the proceedings to a halt if she had inadvertently spoken about any of the evidence being given inside the courtroom.

‘She meant well but it was a naive gesture that could have backfired.’

Lily-Rose, who has already won a handful of awards for her first few film appearances, which have included starring roles alongside Natalie Portman and Robert Pattinson, is not due to give evidence during the case. However, Vanessa and Johnny’s ex-fiancee, actress Winona Ryder, are expected to appear.

While Amber last night enjoyed a dinner at a private London address with her ‘girl gang’, which includes pop star Kylie Minogue, it’s nice to hear that Johnny has his own loyal supporter.