Johnny Depp and Amber Heard Battle in Court and Media
Last year, Amber Heard and Johnny Depp were married in a discreet, secret ceremony, and last week their pending divorce was made very public. Heard served Depp with divorce papers just after his mother's death and as he was promoting a new film, prompting comments that she was unkind. In response, she notified the world that he is violent, and sought a restraining order.
The restraining order was granted and Heard says that throughout their four year relationship, Johnny Depp had been physically and verbally abusive. Today, the latest issue of People magazine was published featuring a battered-looking Amber Heard on the cover.
Calling the Cops
The most recent incident between the couple reportedly prompted a stranger to call 911. But Heard did not file a police report at the time and a Los Angeles Police Department spokesman told reporters that there was no evidence of a crime at the scene.
Heard is saying now that she was trying to protect Depp's career and reputation by not saying anything then. Her lawyer also issued a statement saying that Heard's initial concern for the consequences to Depp is typical of abuse victims.
Calling the Family
Depp is working in Europe right now, touring with his band and promoting a movie. He issued only one statement last week, which was short, mostly expressing his hope that his brief marriage would end in a quick divorce.
But family and friends have made statements to support him. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Depp's daughter posted a photo on Instagram with a note that her dad is a sweetheart.
Much more surprising is the fact that the girl's mother -- Chanel muse, singer, and actress Vanessa Paradis -- herself spoke up in Depp's defense. The two have two children and were never married. She wrote, "I believe with all my heart that these recent allegations being made are outrageous. In all the years I have known Johnny, he has never been physically abusive with me and this looks nothing like the man I lived with for 14 wonderful years."
Accusations Abound
Depp's friends claim she is blackmailing him, which Heard denies wholeheartedly. Her filings say he is a threat to her, which his people deny. But it is hard to tell what is real when there is a $400 million fortune at stake -- she's asking for 50 grand in support for monthly expenses -- and two actors trying to manage their reputations. Abuse accusations aside, the public images of both Heard and Depp have taken a severe beating recently.Follow FindLaw for Consumers on Facebook and Twitter (@FindLawConsumer).
Related Resources:
- What Is Divorce Law? (FindLaw's Learn About the Law)
- Johnny Depp Could Face Prison for Bringing Dogs to Australia (FindLaw's Celebrity Justice)
- Drew Barrymore's Third Divorce Likely to Avoid Court (FindLaw's Celebrity Justice)
- Cancel That: Khloe Kardashian Calls Off Divorce From Lamar Odom (FindLaw's Celebrity Justice)