Amber Heard and Johnny Depp Settle Divorce Yet Angers Flare on Thursday
Amber Heard and Johnny Depp settled their divorce last week, with Heard taking backlash from celebrities and critics alike. The actress accused Depp of spousal abuse, as pictures and videos leaked online to show the reported abuse.
The divorce led to many critics and fans of Heard asserting that the actress was only after Depp’s money. Vanessa Paradis, Depp’s former girlfriend, also stated that Heard was trying to “blackmail” the Pirates of the Caribbean star to receive a higher divorce settlement.
Depp and Heard didn’t have a prenup, and Depp is reported to be worth $400 million, although the figure was never confirmed by the actor.
A lack of a prenup allows Heard to seek half of the money the actor earned during their time as husband and wife. Heard was expected to drag on the proceeding, with many people assuming the actress was seeking a large settlement and using abuse claims to force Depp into agreeing.
The settlement was resolved quickly, with Heard agreeing to a $7 million settlement.
“Money played no role for me personally and never has,” Heard told Variety in an official statement. Heard further stated that she only sought a settlement to further her philanthropy efforts. The actress announced that she would donate half, or $3.5 million, to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). The remaining $3.5 million was to be given to the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles.
Both charities thanked the actress for her generosity.
Reports from TMZ indicate that Depp announced he will send the money directly to the two charities on behalf of Heard. The gesture caused Heard and her team to fire back at Depp. The argument is that Depp is attempting to use the gesture as a way to reduce his taxes through a charitable tax deduction.
Heard’s position is that it’s not Depp’s money and that the actor should donate an additional $7 million if he cares about donating. The actress has stated that if the money is donated on her behalf, it will be against the terms of the settlement.
Amber Heard’s team has requested that the settlement be paid immediately and that the disbursement not be dragged out for years. Allison Maxim, divorce attorney, states, “If the money is never dispersed to Heard, she can argue that the settlement has not been satisfied.”
Depp reportedly sent both checks to the ACLU and Children’s Hospital on Wednesday. The checks are scheduled to be delivered in installments, according to a report. The exact figure donated with the initial installment are not yet known. Heard insists that she will require Depp to pay her the entire $7 million.
Johnny Depp’s rep used the moment to compliment Heard and stated, “Ms. Heard’s generosity in giving to the wonderful causes is deeply respected.”
No further word from either party has been given on the subject. Depp has likely lost whatever money he donated in his last attempt to get back at his ex-wife. Heard is adamant that she will fight to get the entire $7 million so that Depp cannot write off the deduction on his taxes.
Author: Jacob Maslow
