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The life of Johnny Depp and Amber Heard one year after their riveting trial© Getty Images

The life of Johnny Depp and Amber Heard one year after their riveting trial

Their highly publicized legal battle took a dramatic turn in their lives and careers


Shirley Gomez
Senior Writer
JULY 5, 2023 6:46 PM EDT

Johnny Depp and Amber Heard might be one of Hollywood’s most famous exes. A year ago, the pair made the world ride a rollercoaster of emotions during their riveting trial, which included scandalous revelations and unexpected twists that kept the media and fans on the edge of their seats.

Their highly publicized legal battle took a dramatic turn in their lives and careers. Since then, all eyes have been fixated on their every move and everything that has unfolded after the verdict.

From Heard moving to another country with her daughter to Depp renovating multimillion-dollar contracts, find below a recap on how they have navigated their personal life and careers amidst the lingering controversy.

The life of Johnny Depp and Amber Heard one year after their jaw-dropping trial

US-COURT-DEPP-HEARD© GettyImages

Amber Heard’s testimony and Johnny Depp’s fiery defense

The legal showdown began in 2022 in a Fairfax County courtroom in Virginia. Amber Heard took the stand on May 16, 2022, ready to face her ex-husband, Johnny Depp, in a high-stakes $50 million defamation trial.

The atmosphere was charged with tension and anticipation, opening a stage for a battle of words, reputations, and shattered dreams. Heard’s appearance in court was pivotal as she sought to defend herself against defamation claims stemming from a 2018 Washington Post op-ed. In that candid piece, she courageously identified herself as a survivor of domestic abuse.

Camille Vasquez y Johnny Depp© GettyImages

Johnny Depp took the stand on April 19, marking the beginning of his fiery defense. Depp’s legal team, which included Camille Vasquez, Yarelyn Mena, Stephanie Calnan, Rebecca MacDowell, Jessica Meyers, and more partners of Brown Rudnick firm, meticulously presented evidence of the alleged abuse the actor received, painting a picture of a tumultuous relationship.

Heard’s lawyers, on the other hand, embarked on a strategy aimed at discrediting Depp by presenting text messages and recordings. Six weeks after each side strategically presented their arguments and counterarguments, the jury unanimously decided that Amber Heard defamed Johnny Depp on all three counts, saying he should be awarded $15 million.

The jury also favored Heard’s countersuit on one count, saying she should receive $2 million. The verdict was read before a packed courtroom, with news helicopters flying overhead and clusters of fans outside.

Johnny Depp© Varanisi Birmingham

Deep continued living normally, and weeks after the trial, he was caught enjoying dinner at the Varanasi Indian restaurant in Birmingham, England, where he reportedly spent more than $62,000 (£50,000). Mohammed Hussain, operations director of Varanasi, revealed to Daily Mail that “money was no issue.”

Johnny Depp & Amber Heard Defamation Trial Continues© GettyImages

The Pirates of the Caribbean star joined TikTok, quickly racking up nearly four million followers in his first day on the platform. In the caption of his first video on the app, he thanked his “treasured, loyal and unwavering” fans for their support throughout the highly-publicized trial.

NBC News Exclusive interview of Amber Heard with Savannah Guthrie.© NBC News / TODAY SHOW

Amber Heard’s first interview after the trial

During an NBC News Exclusive interview, Amber Heard revealed she still has love for her ex-husband, Johnny Depp. Speaking to TODAY’s Savannah Guthrie, the Aquaman actress said, “Absolutely. I love him. I loved him with all my heart.”

“I tried the best I could to make a deeply broken relationship work. And I couldn’t. I have no bad feelings or ill will towards him at all. I know that might be hard to understand or it might be really easy to understand, if you’ve just ever loved anyone, it should be easy,” she added.

Heard also told Guthrie she does not blame the jury for the verdict. “I don’t blame them. I actually understand. He’s a beloved character and people feel they know him. He’s a fantastic actor.”

Heard also told Guthrie: “I don’t care what one thinks about me or what judgments you want to make about what happened in the privacy of my own home, in my marriage, behind closed doors. I don’t presume the average person should know those things. And so I don’t take it personally. But even somebody who is sure I’m deserving of all this hate and vitriol, even if you think that I’m lying, you still couldn’t look me in the eye and tell me that you think on social media there’s been a fair representation. You cannot tell me that you think that this has been fair.”

Helsinki Blues Festival© GettyImages

Johnny Depp’s rock concert in Europe

The Hollywood star traveled to Europe to perform at a rock concert with British guitarist Jeff Beck. The event was part of Beck’s European tour.

Johnny Depp art© Castle Fine Art

Johnny Depp and his entrepreneurial skills in the art world

He reportedly made millions from his own artwork, releasing 780 prints at the Castle Fine Art gallery in London and earning over $3.6 million within hours.

The actor’s prints were sold out almost immediately after being made available on Thursday, with a focus on pop culture and icons that have inspired him throughout his career. The limited edition portraits are priced at $3,973 each, and a set of four prints for $15,040.

Titled the “Friends & Heroes” collection, Depp has an extensive list of “people he has known well, and who have inspired him as a person,” as it was stated by the gallery, explaining that “each image is an intimate reflection of their character in Johnny’s eyes; a portrayal of how they have revealed themselves to him.”

Johnny Depp© Dior

Johnny Depp and his multi-year contract with Dior

The fashion company offered the actor a multi-year contract worth seven figures. Depp signed with Dior back in 2015 as the face of Sauvage cologne, and while they stopped airing the commercial after Amber Heard first made the allegations, they never dropped him as an ambassador, according to reports.

Johnny Depp© Dior

Johnny Depp and his multi-year contract with Dior

The fashion company offered the actor a multi-year contract worth seven figures. Depp signed with Dior back in 2015 as the face of Sauvage cologne, and while they stopped airing the commercial after Amber Heard first made the allegations, they never dropped him as an ambassador, according to reports.

76th Cannes Film Festival - Jeanne du Barry Photocall© GettyImages

Johnny Deep returns to the big screen

Johnny Deep returns to the big screen as King Louis XV in the forthcoming period drama Jeanne du Barry. The WhyNotProductions and France Télévisions movie, directed by French filmmaker, Maïwenn, tells the story of one of King of France’s mistresses, Jeanne du Barry.

Rome Film Fest 2021© GettyImages

Johnny Depp is preparing to direct his first film since his 1997

Johnny Depp is preparing to direct his first film since his 1997 directorial debut in “The Brave” starring both himself and Marlon Brando. The 59-year-old actor is teaming up with Al Pacino, who will be co-producing a new biopic alongside Barry Navidi.

National Police Go To Amber Heard's Home In Madrid© GettyImages

Amber Heard moves to Spain

Amber Heard has decided to forget everything and move to Europe alongside her one-year-old daughter Oonagh Paige. As the actress assured after the controversial trial against Johnny Depp, she was thinking about the possibility of stepping away from acting to focus on her role as a mother.

Rihanna's Savage X Fenty Show Vol. 4 presented by Prime Video - Show & BTS© GettyImages

Johnny Depp models at Rihanna\'s Savage X Fenty Show Vol. 4 presented

Johnny Depp joined Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty fashion show as one of the evening’s surprise guests, much like celebrities that have been featured in years past.

2020 Film Independent Spirit Awards - Red Carpet© GettyImages

Heard has paid $1 million to Depp

The Virginia defamation case between Amber Heard and Johnny Depp has come to an end now that the settlement money has been issued to the actor. Heard has paid $1 million to Depp, and an insider has revealed what he is planning to do with the money.

People reports that the 60-year-old star will be dividing the amount between five charity organizations, including Make-A-Film Foundation, The Painted Turtle, Red Feather, Tetiaroa Society, and Amazonia Fund Alliance. The source says Depp will be giving $200,000 to each.

69th Taormina Film Festival - Day 2© GettyImages

Amber Heard first appereance promoting a movie

Amber Heard is thrilled about her latest film, In the Fire. The actress attended the 69th Taormina Film Festival in Italy to support the premiere of her movie.

Heard looked stunning in a long black dress during the premiere and had her hair styled in tight curls. She plays the role of a “pioneering psychiatrist who sets out to treat a desperate child at a time when psychiatry is not yet a respected science.”

The premiere marks Heard’s first appearance promoting a movie since her defamation trial with Johnny Depp ended. Despite the trial’s verdict, Heard appears to be moving forward with optimism and is excited about her upcoming projects, including her return as Mera in the highly anticipated Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. Heard’s fans look forward to seeing her on the big screen again.