A little over a year after Amber Heard and Johnny Depp married, Heard filed for divorce in May 2016, citing irreconcilable differences as the cause. At the time, the actor accused Depp of being physically violent and verbally abusive toward her throughout their relationship, which allegedly came to a head on May 21 of that year.
According to court documents obtained by TMZ, the divorce filing came on May 23, just two days after police had been called by Heard’s friend to her and Depp’s Los Angeles residence following an alleged altercation between the two. The “Aquaman” actor alleged that Depp had hit her in the face with an iPhone, leaving her bruised. In addition to requesting a temporary restraining order from Depp at the time, which she was granted by a judge, Heard also sought spousal support, but was denied this request. In response to Heard’s divorce filing and claims of domestic violence, Depp’s lawyer accused Heard of “attempting to secure a premature financial resolution by alleging abuse” in court documents (via People).
Despite their very public, bitter divorce and the domestic abuse claims each party has since made, Heard and Depp issued a joint statement after their divorce was finalized in August 2016, saying (via The Guardian), “Our relationship was intensely passionate and at times volatile, but always bound by love. There was never an intent of physical or emotional harm. Neither party has made false accusations for financial gains.”
If you or someone you know is dealing with domestic abuse, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−7233. You can also find more information, resources, and support at their website.
