Update: In a press release sent out on Thursday, Amber Heard announced that she would be donating her entire $7 million settlement from Depp to the American Civil Liberties Union, “with a particular focus to stop violence against women,” and the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles.
“As described in the restraining order and divorce settlement, money played no role for me personally and never has, except to the extent that I could donate it to charity and, in doing so, hopefully help those less able to defend themselves,” Heard said. “As reported in the media, the amount received in the divorce was $7 million and $7 million is being donated. This is over and above any funds that I have given away in the past and will continue to give away in the future.”
“I know these organizations will put the funds to good use and look forward to continuing to support them in the future,” Heard continued. “Hopefully, this experience results in a positive change in the lives of people who need it the most.”
The original post follows.
Less than three months after Amber Heard filed for divorce from Johnny Depp, alleging domestic violence and igniting one of the most acrimonious splits in recent Hollywood memory, the former couple has reached a divorce settlement.
TMZ first broke the news Tuesday morning, claiming that “Johnny agreed to pay Amber approximately $7 million to walk away . . . that includes attorneys’ fees.” According to the Associated Press, Heard is also “withdrawing allegations that Johnny Depp physically abused her.” In addition to the settlement, the actors, who were married for only 15 months, released a joint statement to the outlet.
“Our relationship was intensely passionate and at times volatile, but always bound by love,” the actors say. “Neither party has made false accusations for financial gain. There was never an intent of physical or emotional harm. Amber wishes the best for Johnny in the future. Amber will be donating financial proceeds from the divorce to a charity.”
The settlement arrives four days after a grainy video showing Depp, believed to have been filmed by Heard, was leaked on the Internet. The video was only the latest ugly development in the actors’ path towards separation, which was paved with conflicting allegations about substance abuse and domestic violence, and a flurry of tabloid headlines.
Depp and Heard, who met while filming 2011’s The Rum Diary, married in a private Los Angeles ceremony in February 2015. Days after, they celebrated with a slightly larger ceremony on Depp’s private island in the Bahamas.
Speaking to E! last year, Depp revealed what first drew him to Heard.
“We connect on a lot of levels but the first things that really got me was she’s an aficionado of the blues,” the actor said. “I would play a song, some old obscure blues song, and she knew what it was.
“She’s very very literate,” he added. “She’s a voracious reader as I have been, so we connected on that as well and she’s kind of brilliant and beautiful.”
Last year, Heard also opened up about the marriage, telling The Times of London, “I never thought I would get married. But I’ve always loved who I’ve loved.”
Heard also spoke about the transition from being Depp’s girlfriend to his wife, telling Elle, “Nothing is a dramatic change. We’ve been together for a long time now, so it’s been a fairly organic process. . . . I have a fiercely independent spirit.
“The thing that really scares me is the potential of losing my freedom,” she added to the magazine. “I never want for my life to lose the ability to transverse the world, with freedom and ease.“
