Amber Heard donates $7M divorce settlement from Johnny Depp to charity
Amber Heard is donating the entirety of her settlement money from Johnny Depp to charity, the actress said in a statement on Thursday.
"As described in the restraining order and divorce settlement, money played no role for me personally and never has, except to the extent that I could donate it to charity and, in doing so, hopefully help those less able to defend themselves," says Heard in a statement sent to USA TODAY.
Heard, 30, reached settlement terms with Depp, 52, on Tuesday, ending an acrimonious summer spent with the couple's lawyers battling each other — both in court and in the media. In the end, Heard received $7 million from Depp, ending their marriage of roughly 15 months.
"As reported in the media, the amount received in the divorce was $7 million and $7 million is being donated. This is over and above any funds that I have given away in the past and will continue to give away in the future," says Heard, who will split the money equally between the ACLU "with a particular focus to stop violence against women," she says, and the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles.
Amber Heard, Johnny Depp reach divorce settlement
Heard adds: "I know these organizations will put the funds to good use and look forward to continuing to support them in the future. Hopefully, this experience results in a positive change in the lives of people who need it the most."
In a release, Anthony D. Romero, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union, said in a statement the organization was "incredibly grateful" for Heard's gift. Paul S. Viviano, president and chief executive officer of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, also thanked Heard for her "tremendous" donation.
Heard and Depp married in February 2015 in a small beach ceremony on Depp's private island in the Bahamas, one year after revealing they were engaged. After Heard separated from Depp in May, the actress alleged domestic abuse and filed for a restraining order against Depp, also revealing a recent bruise on her cheek.
Depp and Heard's divorce chaos chronicled
The couple released a joint statement Tuesday after closing the multi-million dollar settlement.
"Our relationship was intensely passionate and at times volatile, but always bound by love," read Depp and Heard's statement. "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. Amber will be donating financial proceeds from the divorce to a charity."