A year after the Johnny Depp vs Amber Heard trial ended, we track the 2 stars' very different life paths
FAIRFAX COUNTY, VIRGINIA: It’s been a year since one of Hollywood’s most explosive legal dramas began in Fairfax County, Virginia. Amber Heard and her ex-husband Johnny Depp sued each other over an article written by the actress, indirectly accusing the 59-year-old actor of being a violent abuser.
While the ‘Aquaman’ star denied she was pointing fingers at Depp, his lawyers stated that she tarnished his image as well as his career. In their June 1 verdict, the court reportedly ordered Heard to give Depp $15 million in damages. The 'Edward Scissorhands' star was also asked to pay his former wife $2 million in compensatory damages.
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‘I feel at peace’
After the end of the courtroom drama, both actors issued a statement separately. Depp reportedly said, "From the very beginning, the goal of bringing this case was to reveal the truth, regardless of the outcome. Speaking the truth was something that I owed to my children and to all those who have remained steadfast in their support of me. I feel at peace knowing I have finally accomplished that."
But the ‘Never Back Down’ actress was not happy as she reportedly shared, "I’m even more disappointed with what this verdict means for other women. It is a setback. It turns back the clock to a time when a woman who spoke up and spoke out could be publicly shamed and humiliated. It sets back the idea that violence against women is to be taken seriously."
"I believe Johnny’s attorneys succeeded in getting the jury to overlook the key issue of freedom of speech and ignore evidence that was so conclusive that we won in the UK. I’m sad I lost this case. But I am sadder still that I seem to have lost a right I thought I had as an American—to speak freely and openly," she added.
‘She just wanted to start fresh’
However, after all the struggles, heartbreaks, and tears, reports have said that both Heard and Depp have moved forward with their respective lives. It has been said that the 36-year-old mum-of-one is living peacefully in Malaga, Spain. As per an insider, "She has been living in Spain, where she gets more privacy. The trial was beyond stressful for her and she just wanted to start fresh out of the country."
"She is excited about working and filming again. She was exhausted and disappointed about the trial. She felt she was mistreated. This is all behind her now, though. She has new energy and is focused on things that she loves," the tipster added.
The 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' actor has also reportedly moved away from the US and has been living in Somerset in a mansion. A source disclosed, "As soon as his tour ended, he jumped into filming Jeanne Du Barry. Filming was challenging, but Johnny is excited about the comeback. He thinks it's perfect that this historical drama will open at Cannes. Johnny has been living in Europe since the trial. He has been dating, but doesn't have a girlfriend."