Nearly two years after her high-profile defamation trial with her ex-husband Johnny Depp, Amber Heard is now residing in Spain with her 3-year-old daughter Oonagh.
According to a source, Heard, 38, has decided to raise her child outside of Hollywood. She never felt comfortable with the vibe of Los Angeles and believes that Madrid is a more inviting environment for her and her daughter. She feels safe, secure, and surrounded by positive influences in her new location.
Heard, who relocated to Spain right after the trial, has been involved in modeling and various projects. However, she still intends to continue pursuing acting, according to an insider. In June of last year, Heard participated in the Taormina Film Festival in Italy to promote her movie "In the Fire." Additionally, she made a brief appearance in Aquaman 2, which was released in theaters in December 2023.
According to the source, Amber is determined to continue acting as it is her true passion.
Where Amber Heard Is Today 2 Years After Johnny Depp Defamation Trial
Amber Heard Ernesto Ruscio/Getty Images
Heard, who welcomed Oonagh via surrogate in 2021, was previously married to Depp from 2015 to 2017. Depp sued Heard for defamation in 2019 over an op-ed she wrote in the Washington Post where she talked about being a domestic abuse survivor. Both of them testified in court during the trial in April 2022.
In June 2022, the jury ruled in favor of Depp, awarding him $15 million in damages. Despite Heard appealing the decision, the ex-couple reached a settlement in December 2022.
"I have made a tough decision to settle the defamation case filed by my ex-husband in Virginia," Heard shared on Instagram. She emphasized that she never wanted this situation, but had to stand up for her truth, which ultimately resulted in her life being shattered.
Heard expressed her disappointment in how women are treated when they speak out, particularly highlighting the harsh criticism she faced on social media. She mentioned losing faith in the American legal system, feeling that her testimony was not adequately protected and instead used for entertainment and social media gossip.
Where Amber Heard Is Today 2 Years After Johnny Depp Defamation Trial
Amber Heard EVELYN HOCKSTEIN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
After the trial, Heard felt like she needed to escape, according to a second source speaking to Us in June 2023.
The insider explained, "The trial felt like a watercolor conversation, with intense energy surrounding it. Amber felt like people were constantly talking about her."
Heard is said to be much happier since moving to Europe and getting away from all the noise. She shared a photo last month, smiling and enjoying a glass of bubbly to celebrate her 38th birthday.
“Champagne kind of birthday ,” she captioned the Instagram snap.
For more on what Heard is doing now, watch the video above and pick up the latest issue of We, on newsstands now.
Editor's P/S:
Amber Heard's relocation to Spain with her daughter reflects her desire for a fresh start and a more private life after the tumultuous defamation trial with her ex-husband. Her decision to raise Oonagh outside of Hollywood highlights her belief that Madrid offers a more positive and supportive environment for her child. Despite the settlement reached in the defamation case, Heard remains committed to her acting career, demonstrating her resilience and determination to pursue her passions.
The aftermath of the trial has been particularly challenging for Heard, as she faced intense public scrutiny and criticism. Her decision to speak out about her experiences with domestic abuse has drawn both support and backlash, highlighting the complex and often unfair treatment of women who come forward with such allegations. Heard's move to Spain can be seen as an attempt to escape the relentless media attention and rebuild her life in a place where she feels safe and supported.