In 2022, you couldn’t go online without reading about Amber Heard and Johnny Depp. Following their divorce, the famous actors were entangled in a brutal defamation case that put their personal lives on display.
Before diving into that—it’s important to understand how it all started. The ex-couple's legal trouble began in 2016 when Heard filed for divorce. At the time, she also filed a restraining order against Depp and alleged he was physically and verbally abusive. Depp denied the allegations. Eventually, they reached a settlement in 2017. Depp paid Heard $7 million, which she donated to charities. Then, in 2018, she wrote an op-ed in The Washington Post, calling herself a “public figure representing domestic violence.” Though she never explicitly named Depp in the piece, he claimed the article tarnished his reputation. Depp then sued Heard for defamation—sparking a highly-publicized trial that took the Internet by storm.
For six weeks, the Depp v. Heard trial was filmed and scrutinized online. Since anyone could tune in with a click of a button, the world was suddenly invested in the trial's outcome. After grueling litigation, a jury found Heard guilty of three counts of defamation. Depp was awarded $10.35 million in damages. Heard filed a counterclaim against Depp and was awarded $2 million as well. Ultimately, Heard was only required to pay Depp $1 million, which he donated to charity. After the trial, Heard released a statement and called the trial a setback for women. Additionally, Heard said she was “heartbroken that the mountain of evidence still was not enough to stand up to the disproportionate power, influence and sway,” of her ex-husband.
Now, a year after the trial, Netflix has released Depp v. Heard, a three-part docuseries that recounts the trial and its impact on society. Depp c. Heard debuted on August 16th. It includes both Depp and Heard’s testimonies, along with interviews from people who were engrossed in the court proceedings.
Netflix’s docuseries reignited interest in the case, with many wondering what happened to Heard. Keep reading for everything we know about where the 37-year-old is now.
Where Is Amber Heard Now?
Following the trial, Heard sold her home in Yucca Valley, California. She then moved to Europe with her daughter, Oonah Page. An inside source told People that Heard felt like a “pariah” after the trial—and wanted to leave the United States.
She reportedly moved to Mallorca, Spain, living in a rental before settling down in Madrid. While living in Mallorca, Heard changed her name to Martha Jane Cannary, inspired by the western frontierswoman, Calamity Jane.
Her exact whereabouts are under wraps, but Heard is believed to still be living in Spain. Last year, a source close to the actress said Heard is trying to live a quiet life with her daughter, and she’s able to “just be a mom there.”
Does Amber Heard Have Any Projects In the Works?
Another source said Heard is eager to put the trial behind her and focus on her career. “She is excited about working and filming again,” they explained. “She was exhausted and disappointed about the trial. She felt she was mistreated.” “This is all behind her now, though,” the source continued. “She has new energy and is focused on things that she loves.
So, what’s in store for the actress? Well, earlier this year Heard told reporters that she has multiple projects in the works. In June 2023, Heard promoted her latest film, In the Fire, at the Taormina Film Festival. The film takes place in 1899 and follows an American psychiatrist (played by Heard) who goes to Colombia to care for a child who people believe is possessed. Heard said the project is "a beautiful movie about the almost supernatural effect and force of love."
Heard recently told Deadline that her dream is to work on indie productions and larger blockbusters. "The best luck you can have as an actor is to be able to balance both," she said. Later this year she will appear in Aquaman: The Lost Kingdom, as Queen Mera. During the defamation trial, Heard said she had to fight "really hard" to keep her role, despite negative press. Aquaman: The Lost Kingdom premieres on December 20, 2023.
