In 2022, the highly publicized defamation trial between actress Amber Heard and her former husband, actor Johnny Depp, brought her personal life into the spotlight. Now, a new docuseries on Netflix titled "Depp v. Heard" delves into the trial using courtroom testimonies and recordings, also addressing the extensive public attention and the online backlash that Heard endured.
(Also Read: Star Wars: Deborah Chow Has Word Of Advice On Bathroom Breaks For Future Directors! (Details Inside))
Back in 2018, Heard authored a Wall Street Journal op-ed where she claimed to be a victim of abuse. Depp countered that she had defamed him through the article. The trial concluded with the jury finding Heard liable for defamation and Depp's former attorney's statement also defaming Heard. As a result, Heard was ordered by CNN to pay compensatory and punitive damages to Depp. Both parties initially appealed the verdict, but they eventually dropped their appeals in December 2022, with Heard paying Depp $1 million to settle all claims.
For those who have seen the docuseries or are simply curious about Amber Heard's post-trial endeavors, it's natural to want to know her current situation. Here's an overview of what she has been up to since the verdict was delivered:
Trial Verdict and Fallout:
In June 2022, the jury concluded that Heard had defamed Depp, ruling that her statements were made with "actual malice." This verdict led to an order for Heard to pay Depp $10.3 million in damages. However, the jury also found that Depp had defamed Heard through a statement from one of his former lawyers. Depp was consequently ordered by CNN to pay Heard $2 million.
Heard's Allegations and Response:
After the trial, Heard continued to stand by her allegations of physical and sexual abuse by Johnny Depp, which he denied. She shared an Instagram statement describing the verdict as a "very difficult decision," highlighting the trial's impact on her life.
Financial Settlement:
Though the original verdict specified a significant amount for Heard to pay Depp, both parties ended up agreeing to a $1 million settlement. Depp reportedly distributed this sum among five charities, including Make-A-Film Foundation, The Painted Turtle, Red Feather, Tetiaroa Society, and Amazonia Fund Alliance.
Is She Continuing Her Acting Career?
Yes, Amber Heard's acting career persists, as evidenced by her appearance in the 2023 thriller "In the Fire," as listed on IMDB. She is also in the post-production phase for "Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom," the sequel to the successful Aquaman film. However, her IMDB profile doesn't currently list any other projects.
Heard told Deadline earlier this year that she intends to continue acting. “What I have been through, what I’ve lived through, doesn’t make my career at all. And it’s certainly not gonna stop my career,” she said. “I just want to make movies and be appreciated as an actress. I don’t want to have to be crucified to be appreciated as one.”
Motherhood:
Heard is the mother of a 2-year-old daughter named Oonaugh Paige, born on April 8, 2021. While Heard hasn't recently shared images of her daughter, glimpses into their joyful experiences together have been apparent.
“Four years ago, I decided I wanted to have a child. I wanted to do it on my own terms. I now appreciate how radical it is for us as women to think about one of the most fundamental parts of our destinies in this way,” In July 2021, she added a caption on an Instagram photo of herself holding her daughter. Although she hasn't admitted to using a surrogate to conceive Oonaugh, publications like People believe her caption hinted at this possibility.
The post continued: “I hope we arrive at a point in which it’s normalized to not want a ring in order to have a crib. A part of me wants to uphold that my private life is none of anyone’s business. I also get that the nature of my job compels me to take control of this. My daughter was born on April 8, 2021. Her name is Oonagh Paige Heard. She’s the beginning of the rest of my life.”
Although Heard hasn't recently shared photos of her kid, the two appear to have been on many enjoyable outings.
Current Residence:
After the trial, Heard relocated from California to Spain, selling her Yucca Valley home for around $1.05 million. Initially, she rented a home in Mallorca before eventually moving to Madrid.
As the aftermath of the trial continues to unfold, Amber Heard navigates various aspects of her life, including her acting career, personal circumstances, and international move.
According to the publication, when questioned by Spanish journalists about her fresh start in the nation, Heard responded in Spanish. “I love Spain, so much.” And regarding her plans to stay in Madrid, she replied, “Yes, I hope so. Yes, yes, I love living here.”
(Also Read: Oh No! Nick Jonas Unexpectedly FALLS Off Stage While Delivering Electrifying Performance! (Watch Video))
Furthermore, she displayed enthusiasm for her return to acting, expressing that she felt “so touched” by the positive reception her recent film received.