Amber Heard and Johnny Depp settled their divorce earlier this week after 15 months of marriage. It was an especially harrowing ordeal for Heard, who got a restraining order after accusing Depp of domestic violence. But the domestic violence charges were dropped as part of the settlement, with TMZ reporting that Depp had offered Heard $7 million to do so. Heard accepted the $7 million settlement, which she has just donated to charity.
In a statement sent to USA Today, Heard iterated part of the joint statement she and Depp released about their divorce: “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.” The actress is splitting the proceeds among two organizations—the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, and the ACLU “with a particular focus to stop violence against women.” Heard says she hopes the multi-million dollar gifts will help others in need.
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.