After working together in a film, actors Johnny Depp and Amber Heard began a romantic relationship, but it did not last long. Indeed, as we all know now, it ended in bitterness. Both parties have made numerous harsh charges, and because they sued each other over libel issues, it does not appear that this tumultuous situation will end anytime soon.
We have discovered some terrible and horrific aspects of their relationship, which, according to one of their therapists, has featured "mutual abuse." These revelations came to light as a result of their very public trial. Below, you will find everything we know about the infamous breakup.
Wedding, Dissolution, and Court Trial
Johnny Depp and Amber Heard's tumultuous relationship over the past few years has dominated the headlines, mainly because of their complicated legal battles. What began as a whirlwind romance rapidly turned into a very nasty split, the repercussions of which still affect both parties today.
Both have smeared the other's reputations, with Heard accusing Depp of physical violence and Depp countering that Heard is the abuser. As they faced each other in court, horrifying details shattered their personal lives and damaged their reputations.
Blossoming Romance
They first crossed paths in 2009 on the set of The Rum Diary, when Depp was still seeing ex-girlfriend Vanessa Paradis. As far as we can tell, Depp and Heard became close during the film's promotional tour, and after his 2012 split from Paradis, Depp started dating Heard.
It didn't matter that there was a considerable age gap between them; they ended up getting married. There were reports of their engagement in 2014. In a recent interview, Depp referred to the actress as "too good to be true," adding that the two shared many interests.
A Brief and Difficult Marriage
It was a very happy occasion when Amber and Johnny tied the knot in February of 2015. Their marriage, sadly, did not continue for a very long time. Amber filed for divorce in May 2016, citing irreconcilable differences, even though it appeared on the surface that everything was well between her and her husband.
Things went downhill from there. In 2016, Heard went to court with a battered face and said Depp had hit her with his phone, an allegation he has consistently denied. The judge granted her a temporary restraining order against Depp.
Depp's Reputation Suffers Immediate Damage
With the Me Too movement in full gear, the globe swiftly responded to Heard's allegations. As soon as the claims surfaced, the public's attention was focused on Depp, and his reputation quickly began to plummet. Recently, he made the remark, "one day you're Cinderella, and then in 0.6 seconds, you're Quasimodo."
Their troubled marriage made headlines throughout the world and had an immediate impact on Depp's professional reputation. His roles in both the Pirates of the Caribbean and Fantastic Beasts franchises were recast or scrapped altogether.
Heard’s “Donation”
Following the conclusion of their divorce settlement, Heard was given the sum of $7 million. She announced that she would give the entire amount to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the Children's Hospital in Los Angeles.
In 2021, a judge in New York ruled in Depp's lawsuit against Heard that the ACLU must provide documentation to ensure Heard fulfilled her promise. Due to "financial difficulties," she was only able to give half of the amount she had promised to the ACLU, as was recently revealed.
The Opinion Article That Fanned the Fire
Amber submitted an opinion piece to the Washington Post in December 2018, several years after the divorce was finalized. Heard asserted that she was a "public figure symbolizing domestic abuse" and that she herself had been a victim of abusive relationships in the past.
Without naming Johnny Depp, Heard describes how she became a big celebrity and how she endured abuse in the two years prior to publishing her opinion piece. Speculation grew that she was referring to her time spent with Johnny Depp.
Suing Heard for Defamation
After the opinion piece was published, Depp decided to file a lawsuit against Heard, arguing that she had damaged his reputation and that he had been the one wronged during their relationship. He filed suit against her in early 2019, saying that her words and deeds had damaged his reputation and career irreparably.
The fact that Heard, in her 2018 op-ed, referred to herself as a "public figure symbolizing domestic abuse" led Depp to argue that even though he wasn't explicitly named, everybody knew it was about him.
Amber Heard Countered Immediately
Shortly after Depp filed his lawsuit, Heard decided to also file a countersuit against him for $100 million. She claimed that Depp's former attorney, Adam Waldman, defamed her when he told The Daily Mail that her complaints regarding the actor's behavior against her were an "abuse fabrication."
As a result of these occurrences, she filed a lawsuit against Depp for allegedly attempting to "destroy and discredit [her] in the press." The filing of her countersuit in the year 2020 marked the beginning of a highly drawn-out and complicated legal struggle between them, which is still being fought to this day.
Depp's Defamation Suit Against The Sun Newspaper
Another of Depp's legal disputes involved The Sun, which had published Amber's allegations of physical abuse by Johnny. After the tabloid falsely accused Depp of being abusive and called him a "wife-beater" in a story, Depp decided to sue in 2020.
The actor sued the UK tabloid over an article published in 2018. In this trial, Heard claimed that Depp threatened to have her fired "several times." The court determined the publication's allegations to be "substantially true," and the actor's appeal was dismissed.
Employment Disruptions for Depp
Johnny Depp has become a household name because of his many film roles, most of which have been highly appreciated by audiences and critics. In his later years, he became known for his portrayal of Grindelwald in the Fantastic Beasts films and, more notably, Captain Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean movies.
With accusations mounting between him and Heard, Depp was forced to speak out about the treatment he received from production companies. In November 2020, he revealed that he had been fired from the third Fantastic Beasts film.
April 11, 2022 – The Public Trial Begins
Heard and Depp's proceedings had been closed in the lead-up to their latest court struggle, and even then, only the outcomes were ever made public. However, when the 2022 defamation trial between the actors got underway in Virginia, the proceedings were broadcast worldwide.
The trial took place in the Fairfax County Circuit Court, and seven people served on the jury. There were also many recognizable people on the witness list for both sides of the case. Elon Musk and James Franco were at one point rumored to be set to make appearances.
Depp Makes Serious Accusations About Heard's Behavior
Horrifying revelations about the former couple's relationship surfaced during the course of the trial. Depp testified that Heard was the one who initiated physical aggression and "demeaning name-calling" during their relationship.
According to Depp, the act of physical violence would "begin with a slap... [or] a shove" and progress to things like Amber "throwing a glass of wine in [his] face." The actor testified that although the beginning of their relationship was great, he soon felt like he was "suddenly wrong" about everything, resulting in Heard's continual insults.
The Violent Argument That Caused Depp's Severed Finger
Johnny spoke about a heated argument he and Amber allegedly had in 2015 while he was shooting the fifth Pirates of the Caribbean film in Australia. The actor asserts that Heard, while irrationally angry about a postnuptial agreement, hurled two bottles of an alcoholic beverage at him, the second of which shattered on his hand.
Depp provided a vivid description of the event, claiming that at first, he was unable to feel it but that he eventually came to the realization that "the tip of [his] finger had been severed" and that he was looking "directly at [his] bone sticking out."
Did Depp Fabricate the Cause of His Amputated Finger?
Lawyers for Heard claimed that Depp hurt his finger on his own, but Depp says that's not true. When he arrived at the hospital to fix up his severed finger, he said he had to lie to the physicians because he "didn't want to get [Amber] in trouble."
He sought to "keep things as copacetic and easy as possible" so that she wouldn't have to be involved. To top it all off, he stated that the visual effects team working on Pirates of the Caribbean had to patch in a "normal finger" for the rest of the shoot.
Messages on Mirrors and Lampshades
After their argument in Australia in 2015, Heard and Depp's home fell into shambles. According to Depp's testimony, the battle between them caused significant damage to the property, with the actor scrawling graffiti on lampshades and mirrors.
When asked in court about the "messages" he left for Heard after the fight, Depp said, "I thought it was good advice." The messages included one that read "Starring Billy Bob and Easy Amber" (referring to a film she shot at the time, London Fields) and another that read "Good luck and be careful at the top" on a lampshade.
Explicit Text Messages
The court proceedings saw the introduction of text messages made by Depp and his friends, revealing graphic details and foul language relating to Heard. Numerous profanities and derogatory comments towards Heard were sprinkled throughout his comments.
In messages to his actor pal Paul Bettany, Depp expressed disgusting desires to have Heard killed and burned. Depp told the jury he was sorry for using such extreme language, explaining that he had been "in the heat of the pain" and had turned to "dark places" as a result.
An Eyewitness to Depp's Plane Incident in 2014
Johnny's side was given some eye-opening information from a witness concerning an incident that occurred in 2014. According to Keenan Wyatt, who works as a sound technician, Heard became agitated when he tried to speak with her on a private jet.
Wyatt added that he noticed Heard giving Depp "the cold shoulder," so he went up to her and said, "You know he cares about you." Heard allegedly told him to leave, saying, "How dare you talk to me?" Wyatt claimed that he never witnessed Depp being abusive to anyone.
Johnny's Sister Takes The Stand
Johnny talked at length about his abusive upbringing at the hands of his late mother, Betty Sue Palmer. Although their connection improved as he grew older, his younger years with his mother were quite difficult.
Depp, on the stand, admitted that she had the potential to be "quite cruel." He described how she would strike him with a high-heeled shoe or throw ashtrays at him. Christi Dembrowski, his sister, testified about the incident and how the family pledged to never repeat such behavior with their own loved ones.
Amber's Two Personality Disorders Revealed
Testimony from Depp's psychologist Dr. Shannon Curry revealed disturbing information concerning her diagnosis of Amber Heard. Dr. Curry testified that she had diagnosed Borderline and Histrionic Personality Disorder in Heard.
Displays of "drama and shallowness," a need to be the focus of attention, and "quick shifts" in emotion are all characteristics of the latter. She testified that those who suffer from these mental illnesses often display traits such as superiority complexes, angry outbursts, passive aggression, and the use of manipulation techniques "to try to get their needs met."
The Impact of Johnny's Drug Use on Their Relationship
The world knows of Johnny Depp's prior public revelations about his difficulties with substance abuse. As it turns out, this was also a factor in his marriage with Amber. The actor said that Heard's repeated verbal assaults drove him further into substance abuse.
They would "constantly collide," and he testified that he needed "a numbing medication" frequently. He went on to say that he eventually decided to numb his feelings in order to protect himself from the constant verbal attacks.
The Horrible Tale of the Feces and the Bed
According to Depp, either Heard or one of her pals was responsible for one of the strangest things he’s ever seen happen in his home. He says he found human feces on the bed after telling Heard he was leaving during a fight.
"It was so horrible that I could only chuckle," he said of his initial reaction. While Heard blamed her miniature Yorkies, Depp pointed out that they weighed a combined total of eight pounds and that he had "picked up their funk" while living together. Let’s just say that what was on the bed was more substantial.
Trending Video of Milani on TikTok
Heard has accused Depp of being physically violent with her multiple times, and one of the critical charges drew in the cosmetics company Milani. Heard said that Depp assaulted her between 2014 and 2016, and she mentioned that she used a Milani color-correcting concealer to hide the wounds.
During the defamation trial, Milani posted a video to their official TikTok account demonstrating that the concealer Heard was referring to had not been released until 2017, despite claims to the contrary by Heard's legal team.
The Relationship Between Amber and Johnny's Daughter
Depp has a daughter, Lily-Rose (23), and a son, Jack (20). The kids are from his relationship with Vanessa Paradis. Photos taken by the paparazzi at the outset of his relationship with Heard reveal that she quickly began spending time with his children.
In the end, though, there was apparently little love lost between Heard and Lily-Rose. Depp said in court that his daughter and Heard were not on the greatest of terms “for numerous reasons." Indeed, the relationship deteriorated so much that Lily-Rose didn’t attend Amber and Johnny’s wedding.
Videos From 2016 on TMZ Show an Angry Johnny
Legal representatives for Heard played a video of Johnny Depp slamming cabinet doors in his LA home for the court. In the 2016 footage, which had been captured by Heard, Depp can be seen shouting profanity and acting aggressively while in the kitchen.
Amber says aloud that she had nothing to do with what provoked his rage that morning. We then see Depp pouring himself an alcoholic beverage before he realizes Heard is taping him. Afterward, the camera cuts out until Amber can be heard laughing and seen smiling as she picks up the camera.
Johnny Depp Poured Himself a Drink
Depp was questioned by Heard's attorneys about the 2016 incident soon after the TMZ footage was played in court. While testifying, Depp admitted that an assault did occur that day – on the cabinet doors. This was just one of many cute and clever remarks from Depp during the trial.
In the clip, Depp can be seen pouring himself an alcoholic drink. When the lawyer asked if he poured himself a "mega-pint of red wine," Depp seemed confused and responded that he poured himself a glass because he "felt it essential."
Statement From Their Therapist
Laurel Anderson, who served as a couple's therapist for the two in 2015, claimed in court that the couple participated in "mutual abuse." She brought up the fact that both Depp and Heard were victims of domestic violence when they were young.
Anderson stated that Heard would "hit him to keep him there" because she preferred conflict to the alternative of losing him. Heard "gave as good as she got," according to what Anderson claims Depp told her. She had a one-on-one meeting with Heard, during which Heard allegedly revealed bruises inflicted by Depp.
Damning Admissions Captured on Tape
Amber is heard discussing an incident where she acted violently towards Depp on a recording obtained by Depp and used as evidence in the trial. Heard quickly corrected him, saying, "You didn't get punched, you got hit," when he said she punched him.
She apologized further, saying, "I'm sorry I hit you... but I did not punch you." These were her words over several more minutes of conversation, during which she steadfastly denied punching him. In conclusion, she can be heard saying, "You are such a spoiled brat. Get your [bleep] together, Johnny."
Amber's Thoughts on Johnny's Fashion Taste
Christi Dembrowski, Johnny's sister, testified about an event where Amber hurled verbal abuse at the actor. According to Dembrowski, Heard humiliated her brother by calling him "an old fat man" when she found out Dior had employed him.
She said that Dior is all about class and style but that Depp lacks both, calling into doubt his sense of fashion. In addition, a source said she couldn't fathom why a high-end fashion house like Dior would want to collaborate with Johnny Depp.
Depp Locked Himself in the Bathroom
Depp testified that the couple's disagreements frequently escalated from verbal insults to physical confrontations. Heard had a "thirst for violence," the actor said, so he often tried to escape the situation by locking himself in the bathroom.
Depp testified that he began recording Heard when the "endless stream of insults" became intolerable. Since, according to him, she always disputed her actions the following day, he taped everything that went down so that she could hear for herself that those were her remarks.
Amber Makes Fun of Johnny Depp's Tattoo
The now-famous "Wino Forever" tattoo on Johnny's shoulder originally read "Winona Forever." He had to get creative in changing it after his breakup with Winona Ryder. Heard supposedly made fun of Depp's tattoo in 2013, and she claimed that this was when he slapped her for the first time.
In court, Depp said that Heard mocked many of his tattoos, which he uses as a diary of his life. However, when asked if he had ever hit her over a tattoo, the actor stated in court, "that allegation never made any sense to me."
Heard's Assistant Gives a Staggering Statement
Amber's former PA, Kate James, was able to give her side of the story in a video deposition played for the jury. James stated that during her time working for Heard, she never witnessed any abuse between Depp and Heard, but she did discuss the working conditions in the office.
James claimed that Heard spat in her face at one point when she had asked for what she thought was a very reasonable pay rise. She further said that Heard was frequently under the influence of illegal substances and would occasionally have bursts of uncontrollable wrath.
Deeply Traumatic Experience Exposed in Court
A troubling chat between Heard and Depp was captured on tape and shown in court by Heard's attorneys. Heard's pleas to Depp can be heard on an audiotape from a meeting they had in July 2016, two months after the divorce petition was filed.
The disturbing audio reveals Depp at what appears to be a breaking point, on the verge of doing something terrible to himself. Amber can be heard attempting to dissuade him from continuing, pleading for him to put the item down.
How Everything Began, According to Johnny
Johnny Depp and Amber Heard fell in love despite their age gap. Depp testified before the jury about his recollection of the first time he met the actress and the instant chemistry they shared while filming a sequence for The Rum Diary.
The sequence required the performers to share a passionate shower embrace. Depp explained that his affection for her felt wrong as both of them were, at the time, involved with other people. To paraphrase, he felt "something I should not be feeling" during that kiss.
Johnny Claims that Amber Changed
After testifying that things went well at first in their relationship, Depp said that something about Heard altered over time. Initially, he thought Amber was "too good to be true" because of all the wonderful things she did (also known as love-bombing).
Then, according to him, the actress began to behave differently. Out of nowhere, she turned on him, and everything he did drew criticism. He felt that he was not permitted to have a voice. He even went as far as to declare that he had the impression that he had slipped into a relationship with someone who was just like his abusive mother.
Attempting to Restore His Reputation
Heard has made numerous charges against Depp over the years, and the two have been through more than one trial as part of their legal battles against each other. However, Depp is adamant that he never mistreated Heard or any other woman.
The actor, who is now 59 years old, testified during the first few days of his trial that he did not strike Heard "in any way." He then said that he has never "hit any lady in [his] life."
Incontestable Conclusions Have Been Reached
On June 2, 2022, the jury in the trial between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard reached a verdict. While the jury did find both parties responsible for slander, they gave Depp the more significant sum of damages, making this a victory for the actor in court.
While Depp requested $50 million, he was only given $15 million in damages. Nonetheless, the decision demonstrates the court's belief that free speech should be preserved so long as it does not do irreparable injury to a person's reputation.
Depp’s Vindication
Johnny Depp released a statement on social media in which he acknowledged the significant toll the trial and his relationship with Amber Heard had taken on his loved ones and fan base. He even claimed that "the jury handed [him] [his] life back."
Depp admitted that he foresaw the "spectacle" his life would become due to the legal struggle, but he insisted that he wanted the truth to be made public. He expressed gratitude to the court, his attorneys, and the jury for allowing him the opportunity to "tell the truth."
Amber’s Disappointment
On the other hand, Heard's expression betrayed her displeasure with the jury's verdict. She said the amount of evidence was "so overwhelming that [she] won in the UK," so she was "quite unhappy" with the verdict arrived at in the US.
Keep in mind that at the heart of this litigation was a dispute over defamation and the protection of Heard's First Amendment right to free speech. Both parties were found guilty of defaming each other, but Depp was given a larger sum of money in damages.
All Marital Property was Divided Evenly
Divorces can stretch on for years, and they often do when there is a lot of money and property at stake. As you can imagine, this is often the case with celebrities. However, things between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard were miraculously settled by 2017 after a relatively short period of time.
Amber kept the couple's two dogs, who got them in trouble when they tried to sneak them into Australia. Johnny kept all of the homes, his classic motorcycles and automobiles, and the other property. The Hollywood Reporter said there was a non-disparagement provision, so neither could criticize their time together or breakup.
Johnny Got a Favorable Verdict from the Jury
Johnny Depp and Amber Heard's long-awaited trial began on April 7th, 2022. The two stars' public legal war reached its conclusion on June 1st, 2022, with the jury making a decision that heavily favored Johnny. The civil trial was televised nationwide.
Kate Moss and a number of Disney executives were among the high-profile witnesses brought to the stand. Attorneys on both sides expressed optimism about the case, but they also hinted that it would be a difficult fight for Amber and Johnny's reputations. The jury ultimately sided with Johnny Depp, finding that Amber Heard had defamed him intentionally.