The end is here. Johnny Depp and Amber Heard finally settled their divorce case on Tuesday, August 16, after nearly three months of abuse allegations by the actress. Ever since news of the Heard’s divorce filing first broke in late May, shocking claims of the former couple’s allegedly rocky romance quickly began to emerge, ultimately kicking off an intense legal battle.
Below, Us Weekly recaps all of the craziest events that have occurred since Depp and Heard’s split.
Heard Files for Divorce, May 23
Heard, 30, filed for divorce from Depp, 53, after 15 months of marriage on May 23, citing “irreconcilable differences.” She also requested spousal support. Days later, on May 26, the Pirates of the Caribbean actor’s rep released a statement to Us Weekly, saying, “Hopefully, the dissolution of this short marriage will be resolved quickly.”
Heard Accuses Depp of Abuse, May 27
The Justice League actress was granted a temporary domestic violence restraining order against her estranged husband on May 27, in which she accused him of being verbally and physically abusive throughout their four-year relationship.
In her declaration, she claimed Depp had a long history of substance abuse problems and that he threw an iPhone at her face on May 21, just two days prior to her divorce filing. Police later told Us Weekly that they saw no evidence for a report to be filed when they were called to the couple’s Los Angeles home that evening of the alleged event.
Depp’s lawyer Laura Wasser refuted the allegations and accused Heard of “attempting to secure” financial security. The actor’s close family members and friends, including ex Vanessa Paradis and daughter Lily-Rose Depp, also defended Depp.
Friend Says Depp Was ‘Manipulated’ By Heard, May 29
Depp’s friend Doug Stanhope wrote an op-ed for The Wrap on May 29, claiming that Heard blackmailed the Blow star with her abuse claims. “Johnny Depp got used, manipulated, set up and made to look like an a–hole. And he saw it coming and didn’t or couldn’t do anything to stop it,” the comedian wrote. Less than a week later, on June 3, Heard sued Stanhope for defamation, calling his statements “highly defamatory.”
Heard Withdraws Spousal Support Request, June 14
Weeks after Depp’s attorney accused Heard of seeking financial gain, the Danish Girl actress’ lawyer filed a declaration to withdraw her request for temporary spousal support. In court documents, Heard stated that her initial request was “being used against me to distract and divert the public away from the very serious real issue of domestic violence.”
Depp Changes Heard Tattoo to ‘Scum,’ July 1
The Edward Scissorhands actor stepped out with a noticeably altered version of his knuckles tattoo on July 1. He changed the word “Slim” — Heard’s nickname — to “Scum.”
Heard Arrives Late to Deposition, August 6
Heard showed up 90 minutes late for her scheduled deposition at Wasser’s office in Los Angeles on August 6. According to court documents filed by the actor’s attorney on August 9, the actress “refused to testify despite repeated requests from Johnny’s counsel and instead sat with her lawyers, cried on the telephone, yelled, screamed and paced in a separate room.”
Alleged Fight Evidence Emerges Online, August 12 and 15
TMZ posted a video on August 12 (filmed by Heard) of a man who appears to be Depp slamming kitchen cabinets and smashing a wine glass and bottle. She later told Us in a statement that she was “not responsible for the release of the video.”
Three days later, TMZ posted photos and an accompanying account of a reported March 2015 fight between the couple, in which Depp is claimed to have cut off his fingertip by accident after slamming multiple glass bottles and windows. The website claimed that according to the actress, the Sweeney Todd star dipped his bloody finger in paint and used it to write “Billy Bob” and “Easy Amber” on a mirror after allegedly accusing the actress of cheating on him with Billy Bob Thornton. (Thornton later refuted the affair allegations in a statement to TMZ.)
Depp and Heard Settle Divorce, August 16
Nearly three months after Heard’s filing, the estranged spouses settled their divorce case on August 16. The actress withdrew her request for a domestic violence restraining order, and Depp reportedly agreed to pay his ex approximately $7 million, according to TMZ
In a joint statement to Us Weekly, the duo said, “Our relationship was intensely passionate and at times volatile, but always bound by love. 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. There will be no further public statements about this matter.”
