Johnny Depp and Amber Heard: From love to loathing, how the couple's relationship spiralled into acrimony
Even after the couple divorced in 2017, their fans can't seem to get enough of Johnny Depp and Amber Heard, despite extremely negative stories about them lashing out at each other. Now, the spotlight is once again on their relationship as fans of the couple await the verdict of the libel case filed by the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' actor set to be declared next Monday, November 2.
The case was filed by the actor against News Group Newspapers, publishers of The Sun, as well as it's executive editor Dan Wootton over an April 2018 article, that according to him unfairly branded him a 'wife-beater.' The article reportedly stated that Depp had been violent towards his ex-wife Amber Heard, 34, and also questioned his casting in the 'Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them' franchise. Both the former spouses were called on the stand to give evidence against each other before Judge Andrew Nicol during a three-week hearing at London's High Court. The July case revealed shocking details about Depp and Heard's stormy private lives as the court heard allegations of severe domestic abuse, drug abuse, and extramarital affairs.
Everyone got a glimpse of how their relationship turned tempestuous and eventually broke down. Which made many who had not followed a timeline of their dating life wonder where did it all start and how the two fell for each other in the first place.
Here's a look at their love story from the time Depp and Heard first laid eyes on each other:
Depp was already dating the mother of his two children when he met Heard
Depp met Heard for the first time after being cast as Paul Kemp in the film adaptation of The Rum Diary, a fiction novel from famed gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson. The 'Aquaman' actress was playing Chenault in the movie — a woman engaged to another man — who Kemp is immediately smitten with as soon as he sees her.
There were no immediate sparks between them, or that we know of, as Depp was already dating French singer Vanessa Paradis at that point, who shares children Lily-Rose Depp, John Christopher Depp III with the actor. However, Heard told Vogue in 2011: "Working with Johnny was torture. It was better than I ever imagined, which is really saying something."
Depp and Heard start dating in 2012
Depp and Paradis publicly announced their separation after 14 years of dating in 2012 and in a court filing, Heard wrote that she and Depp began dating "around the end of 2011 or the start of 2012." It was unclear if Depp and Heard began seeing each other when he was with Paradis. However, during the announcement of their breakup, the couple wrote hey “amicably separated” and request privacy from the media during that time.
Heard split up with partner Tasya van Ree at the same time. Heard was arrested in 2009 on a charge of physically assaulting then-girlfriend van Ree at Seattle-Tacamo International Airport in Washington after Heard allegedly grabbed and hit van Ree's arm following a heated argument.
Two years later, Heard seen wearing an engagement ring
Although Depp and Heard were spotted by paparazzi together at showbiz events, including award shows, both of them kept their relationship fairly under wraps. Then in 2014, People magazine reported that Depp and Heard were engaged after a picture emerged of the actress wearing an ornate engagement ring. In a video interview with The Daily Mail, after discussing wedding planning, he pointed out that he was wearing "a chick's ring" on his finger. "It's probably a dead giveaway, isn't it? Not very subtle," Depp said.
Depp and Heard married in a private ceremony in 2015
After several years of dating, Depp and Heard got married very private ceremony in their home in Los Angeles in 2015. Later that year, Depp and Heard were caught reportedly breaching Australia's biosecurity laws after failing to declare their dogs (Yorkshire terriers) when they arrived Down Under. They released an apology video together.
In 2016, Heard filed for divorce from Depp
On May 23, 2016, Heard filed for divorce from Depp, simultaneously obtaining a temporary restraining order against the actor, alleging that Depp had physically abused her during their relationship. It also added that the violent acts were carried out by him under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Depp denied these accusations and through his representatives, saying Heard was "attempting to secure a premature financial resolution by alleging abuse."
A settlement was eventually reached after she withdrew her request for a domestic violence restraining order. The then-estranged couple also released a joint statement, saying: "Our relationship was intensely passionate and at times volatile, but always bound by love. Neither party has made false accusations for financial gain. There was never any intent of physical or emotional harm." Depp and Heard's divorce was finalized the next year.