Johnny Depp and Amber Heard finalized their divorce in 2017 after being married for just over a year. Heard first initiated the divorce in 2016, during which time she also requested a temporary restraining order against Depp, per CNN. Despite Heard alleging that domestic abuse led her to seek the restraining order, the couple later released a statement that suggested physical harm wasn’t a factor in their separation. “Neither party has made false accusations for financial gain. There was never any intent of physical or emotional harm. Amber wishes the best for Johnny in the future,” the message read in part (via Vogue UK).
This statement may have just been an attempt to quiet speculation in the media, because both Heard and Depp told very different stories in court. During the trial, Heard’s legal team argued that Depp did get violent during their relationship. “They’re all very legitimate photographs and listen carefully to the evidence from the experts and you will find every single piece is authenticated and is true,” Heard’s attorney, Elaine Bredehoft, said of photos of the actor’s bruises brought in as evidence of Depp’s alleged abuse (via Law & Crime Network). “And they show bruises and they show cut lips, they show hair pulled out of her hair … they show two black eyes when he headbutted her.” Meanwhile, Depp argued that Heard’s accusations are false and that he instead was a victim of domestic violence.
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.
