Melanie Inglessis’s Detailed Testimony: Concealing Amber Heard’s Alleged Bruises Before James Corden Appearance

In a significant development during the widely publicized defamation trial involving Hollywood stars Amber Heard and Johnny Depp, the court was presented with a pre-recorded deposition from Ms. Melanie Inglessis, Amber Heard’s former makeup artist. Inglessis’s testimony provided a detailed account of how she allegedly helped Heard conceal various physical marks, including bruises and a lip injury, before a public television appearance. This revelation offered a glimpse into the intensely scrutinized personal lives of the actors and brought the intricacies of celebrity appearance management into the legal spotlight.

Melanie Inglessis, a seasoned professional in the beauty industry, recounted her experiences working with the “Aquaman” actress, specifically focusing on an incident prior to Heard’s appearance on The Late Late Show With James Corden on December 16, 2015. Her testimony, given under oath, aimed to provide contextual evidence regarding the alleged physical altercations between Heard and her then-husband, Johnny Depp. Inglessis’s account highlighted the challenges of maintaining a public image amidst private turmoil, particularly for high-profile figures.

During the deposition, Amber Heard’s legal team presented a series of photographs depicting the injuries the actress allegedly sustained before the aforementioned TV show. Inglessis confirmed that these images accurately reflected the condition she observed on Heard’s face. She described seeing “discoloration around her eyes, on her nose,” indicative of bruising, and a “slit lip.” When questioned further by Johnny Depp’s lawyers, Inglessis elaborated on the nature of these injuries. According to her testimony, it appeared as though Heard might have been “head-butted lightly,” though it’s important to note that Johnny Depp has vehemently denied any allegations of head-butting Amber Heard during the December 2015 incident, or at any other time.

The details of how a professional makeup artist addresses such challenges became a focal point of Inglessis’s testimony. She explained the specialized techniques employed to ensure Heard’s appearance would not betray the alleged injuries beneath. This often involved a more intensive and strategic application of makeup than her usual routine for Heard. “I just did makeup but just a little heavier when needed,” Inglessis stated. “So we covered the discoloration or the bruises with a little, slightly heavier concealer.”

Inglessis further elaborated on the specific choice of product: “One that has a little more of a peach undertone, which I would normally don’t use on Amber, but the peach [does] cancel blue.” This particular detail underscored the professional knowledge and skill required in such situations. Color correction is a fundamental principle in makeup artistry, where opposing colors on the color wheel are used to neutralize unwanted tones. Blue and purple bruises, being cool tones, are effectively counteracted by warm peach or orange-toned concealers, creating a more neutral base that can then be seamlessly blended with skin-toned foundation and concealer.

Beyond the bruising, Inglessis also addressed the challenge of concealing the alleged lip injury. Heard’s signature look often included a vibrant red lip, but on this particular occasion, the choice of lipstick became a crucial element for camouflage rather than just style. “Although Amber always has a red lip as one of the signature looks, I remember clearly talking that we had no other option that night, but then to use a red-blood—like a really red—to make sure we could cover up the injuries on the lip,” Inglessis explained. A deep, highly pigmented red lipstick can effectively mask minor lacerations or swelling on the lips, drawing attention away from the injury and creating a polished, complete look for the camera. This strategic use of makeup underscored the pressure on a celebrity makeup artist to flawlessly prepare their client for public scrutiny, regardless of underlying circumstances.

Amber Heard’s legal representatives also inquired about her emotional state prior to the appearance on James Corden’s show. Inglessis described the actress’s mood as “Angry, sad, [and] a little erratic.” This testimony aimed to paint a picture of Heard’s alleged distress during that period, further supporting the claims of abuse. The portrayal of Heard’s emotional state by a close professional collaborator added another layer to the narrative presented by her legal team, suggesting a troubled mental and emotional disposition coinciding with the alleged physical injuries.

When Johnny Depp’s legal team cross-examined Melanie Inglessis, they pressed her on whether she had ever personally witnessed Depp being abusive towards Heard. Inglessis unequivocally stated that she had not directly observed any instances of physical abuse from the “Pirates of the Caribbean” star. She clarified that any allegations of abuse against Depp had originated solely from Amber Heard herself. This distinction was crucial for Depp’s defense, as it highlighted that Inglessis’s testimony was based on Heard’s reports and her observations of the physical marks, rather than direct witnessing of the alleged altercations.

Inglessis characterized the relationship between Amber Heard and Johnny Depp as consistently fraught with conflict. “It was always some conflict, some fights: some physical fights, some verbal fights, some kind of problems,” she recalled. She further described their dynamic as “consuming,” indicating an intense and often turbulent connection that dominated their lives and the lives of those around them. However, she maintained that despite being privy to the couple’s issues, she never personally witnessed any of the fights or physical altercations she was told about. This nuance in her testimony was critical, as it separated her observation of alleged injuries from any direct knowledge of their cause.

Depp’s lawyers also made a specific point to ask Inglessis if she knew how the injuries were caused, to which the makeup artist candidly confirmed she did not. Her role was primarily to address the visible effects, not to investigate their origins. This admission further underscored that Inglessis’s testimony was confined to her professional observations and Heard’s personal accounts, not independent verification of the alleged incidents themselves. In a trial where every detail is meticulously examined, the distinction between observation, report, and direct witnessing holds significant weight.

The pre-recorded deposition, which was originally taken on February 2, 2021, was played for the court on Wednesday, May 18, 2022. This format allowed for Inglessis’s testimony to be presented without her needing to be physically present in court during the live proceedings, a common practice in complex legal battles involving multiple witnesses or travel constraints. The date of the deposition itself highlights the extensive preparation involved in such a high-stakes legal case, with witness statements often gathered months or even years in advance.

Throughout her questioning, Melanie Inglessis also elaborated on her personal and professional relationship with Amber Heard. She explained that the two had grown close during their time working together, developing a bond that extended beyond the professional realm. However, this friendship eventually came to an end. Inglessis testified that she eventually broke off the relationship, both as a friend and as Heard’s makeup artist. Despite the separation, she expressed well wishes for Heard, stating that she wished her “well.” This personal detail offered insight into the complexities of professional relationships in the entertainment industry, particularly when intertwined with personal struggles and legal battles.

Inglessis’s testimony represents just one piece of the vast and intricate mosaic that is the Amber Heard vs. Johnny Depp defamation trial. Her account, focusing on the practical efforts to manage Heard’s public image in the face of alleged injuries, underscored the intense scrutiny faced by public figures. It also brought to light the crucial, often unseen, role of support staff like makeup artists in maintaining celebrity personas, even amidst highly challenging personal circumstances. The trial continues to unfold, with each witness bringing their unique perspective to a narrative that has captivated global audiences, shedding light on the complexities of domestic disputes within the celebrity sphere.

The meticulous descriptions of makeup application, the emotional state of a client, and the boundaries of professional and personal relationships provided a unique window into the lives of those embroiled in this legal saga. Inglessis’s statements, while carefully worded to reflect her limited direct knowledge of the alleged incidents’ causes, nonetheless contributed significantly to the body of evidence presented in court. As the proceedings move forward, the court and the public continue to weigh the diverse testimonies, attempting to piece together the full picture of the events that led to this high-profile legal confrontation.