‘Don’t call me a liar’ – Amber Heard returns to the stand

Published

4 years ago

May 17, 2022

Amber Heard returns to the stand Monday after the defamation trial with ex-husband Johnny Depp resumes for the fifth week after a brief pause

High profile trial between actors Johnny Depp and Amber Heard resumes for the fifth week after a brief pause.

Depp is suing his ex-wife Amber Heard for libel in the US state of Virginia, over an article she wrote for the Washington Post in 2018.

In the article, she described surviving domestic violence, without mentioning Depp by name.

The Virginia Court heard that Aquaman star Amber Heard feared her ex-husband Johnny Depp would accidentally kill her during an alleged assault on their honeymoon.

36-year-old Heard painted a picture of the actor as an abuser plagued by drug addiction, jealousy and self-harm.

In court on Monday, Heard broke down in tears telling jurors that she believed she’d likely “not survive” if she had remained married to Depp.

Heard accused Depp of repeated instances of physical abuse telling the court it was the “worst and most painful” thing she’s ever gone through.

The court was shown a series of photos of bruises and marks on her face.

Heard testifies, “I don’t want anything from him, just don’t call me a liar.”

“I want to move on. I want Johnny to move on too,” she says.

Cross-examination from Mr Depp’s attorneys is expected to take place soon.

Cross-examination of Depp

Depp’s attorney presented Heard with numerous photos of her following incidents of alleged abuse, asking whether she could see any visible signs of injury.

“None that you can see,” Heard says multiple times.

The attorney pointed out Heard’s deposition testimony stating that Depp frequently wore rings, then asked about photos after allegedly being hit in the face by Depp.

Heard say she wore makeup in several photos and she used ice to reduce swelling on her injuries.

Depp’s attorney also replayed audio where Heard tells Depp he should tell the world he was a domestic abuse victim and that it was a “fair fight.”

“I said that to the man who beat me up, yes,” Heard said. “I thought it was preposterous.”

Heard was then asked, “And the man you beat up numerous times?”

“I could never hurt Johnny,” Heard replies.

The first day of cross-examination concludes on Heard charity contention

During her testimony, Heard admitted she has not yet donated the entirety of her $7 million settlement to the American Civil Liberties Union and Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles.

She says this was because Depp filed the $50 million suit against her but that she intends on resuming donations in the future.

Amanda Gunn contributed to this report.

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Australian beef industry warns of major export losses under new China tariff

Published

2 hours ago

January 1, 2026

Harvey Vargas

China slaps 55% tariff on Australian beef as trade and geopolitical tensions rise

China has imposed a 55% tariff on Australian beef imports that exceed quota limits, a move that threatens more than $1 billion in annual trade and has reignited tensions between Canberra and Beijing. The restrictions, effective from January 1 for three years, cap Australia’s beef quota at 205,000 tonnes—below the volume China imported in 2024—prompting industry claims the decision undermines the spirit of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement.

Calm fears

Beef producers warn the impact could be severe, with exports to China potentially falling by as much as one-third compared to 2025 levels. Industry groups say the move advantages rival exporters, with Brazil and Argentina receiving far larger quotas, raising concerns Australia could permanently lose market share in a key global market. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has sought to calm fears, saying Australia is not being singled out and describing the beef sector as the strongest it has ever been.

The tariff decision comes against the backdrop of growing geopolitical strain, days after Australia criticised China’s “Justice Mission 2025” military drills near Taiwan as destabilising. Opposition figures are urging the government to leverage diplomatic ties with President Xi Jinping to ensure Australia is not swept up in broader trade retaliation, as industry calls mount for urgent talks to stabilise relations.

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Five global escapes executives are booking for 2026

Published

2 days ago

December 31, 2025

Ahron Young

Where to switch off, reset and travel well for a week

For executives in their 40s, travel has shifted. It is less about ticking off sights and more about space, comfort and coming back sharper than when you left.

In 2026, the most appealing one-week holidays are destinations that combine calm, quality and a sense of being ahead of the curve.

For executives, switching off from work is essential, but true rest comes from being gently engaged rather than completely idle.

The most rewarding breaks offer just enough stimulation, culture, nature or conversation, to quiet the mind without replacing one form of busyness with another.

Here are five global locations quietly rising to the top of travel wish lists.

East Coast Barbados

Barbados has long been associated with polished beach holidays, but the east coast offers something different.

Wild Atlantic surf, boutique retreats and fewer crowds create a slower rhythm that suits travellers who want proper rest without sacrificing style.

Days are spent between long coastal walks, ocean-facing spas and unhurried dinners, with just enough local culture to keep things interesting.

Barbados: Book a holiday package (flights + hotel) to Barbados here.

Phu Quoc

Vietnam’s largest island is emerging as a refined alternative to more established Asian beach destinations.

Phu Quoc blends thoughtful luxury with a grounded, local feel. Resorts are discreet rather than flashy, wellness is taken seriously, and the pace encourages doing very little very well.

It is an easy week of warm water swims, exceptional food and genuine mental downtime.

Phu Quoc, Vietnam: Find holiday packages and deals for Phu Quoc here.

Peloponnese

For travellers who want culture without crowds, the Peloponnese is becoming Greece’s most compelling region.

Ancient ruins sit alongside olive groves, quiet beaches and wellness-focused resorts designed for long lunches and early nights.

It offers the Mediterranean experience executives love, without the intensity of Santorini or Mykonos.

Peloponnese, Greece: Browse and book Peloponnese holiday packages with flights and hotels here.

The Red Sea

Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast is one of the most ambitious luxury travel projects in the world.

Opening progressively through 2025 and 2026, it promises adults-focused resorts built around sustainability, privacy and high-end wellness.

For those seeking something genuinely new, this is a destination that feels exclusive, restorative and future-facing.

Red Sea Coast (gateway for Red Sea resorts): Book a Red Sea Coast holiday package (flight + hotel) here.

Margaret River

Margaret River continues to refine its appeal for travellers who value space and quality. World-class wineries, dramatic coastline and understated luxury accommodation make it ideal for a reset without jet lag.

It is a reminder that a great week away does not need excess. It needs good food, good wine and room to breathe.

In 2026, the best holidays for executives are not about escape in the dramatic sense. They are about intention. A change of pace, fewer decisions, and environments designed to help you slow down properly. These destinations understand that luxury is not about doing more, but about feeling better when you return.

Margaret River, Western Australia: Find Margaret River holiday packages (accommodation + flight) here.

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Iran’s currency collapse sparks mass protests as inflation spirals

Iran president engages protesters amid economic crisis as currency tumbles and inflation surges

Published

2 days ago

December 31, 2025

Harvey Vargas

Iran’s president engages protesters amid economic crisis as currency tumbles and inflation surges

In Short:
– Iranian President Pezeshkian urged action to meet protesters’ demands amid economic crisis and currency devaluation.
– Protests intensified with shop closures in Tehran, following significant inflation and political unrest after Mahsa Amini’s death.

Iran is grappling with its most severe economic crisis in years. Mass protests erupted across Tehran following the dramatic collapse of the national currency. The rial plunged to 1.42 million against the U.S. dollar over the weekend, briefly recovering to 1.38 million. This marks a loss of more than two-thirds of its value since 2022.

Annual inflation soared to 42.2 percent in December, with food prices up 72 percent year-on-year. Many Iranians are struggling to make ends meet, fueling public anger and unrest.

In response, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian ordered his government to engage directly with protest representatives. Calling the demonstrations “legitimate,” he emphasized the need for reforms in the monetary and banking sectors. Officials announced a dialogue framework to hear the voices of demonstrators.

The unrest coincided with the resignation of Central Bank Governor Mohammad Reza Farzin. Former Economy Minister Abdolnaser Hemmati is set to replace him, signaling possible shifts in economic policy.

Tehran’s commercial districts were paralyzed as shopkeepers in the Grand Bazaar and major streets closed businesses in solidarity. Videos on social media showed crowds chanting slogans as security forces used tear gas to disperse them.

International pressure is also rising. U.S. officials warned they would support action against Iran if the country resumes nuclear or missile development, following recent airstrikes on Iranian facilities.

The World Bank forecasts Iran’s GDP will contract 1.7 percent in 2025 and 2.8 percent in 2026, deepening economic concerns. How the government responds to these protests and reforms its economy may shape the country’s stability in the months ahead.