Amber Heard has found solace in Spain following a highly publicized defamation trial with her ex-husband, Johnny Depp. The 37-year-old actor, known for her role in Aquaman, has decided to step away from Hollywood and relocate to Madrid for a quieter life out of the spotlight.
The legal battle between Heard and Depp began last year when Depp sued Heard for $50 million, accusing her of implying that he had abused her in a 2018 op-ed. After a six-week trial, the jury found in favor of Depp, determining that Heard had defamed him on all three counts and awarded him $15 million in damages. Heard was also awarded $2 million in damages.
Heard initially filed an appeal but later decided to withdraw it, explaining that the decision to settle with Depp had been a difficult one. Seeking a fresh start away from the chaos and scrutiny, Heard sold her home in California and moved to Spain.
Heard sold her six-acre property in Yucca Valley, California, for $1.05 million in July 2022. She then relocated to the island of Mallorca, where she briefly lived before making Madrid her permanent residence. Heard expressed her love for Spain and her hope to stay in Madrid during an interview with Spanish reporters last June.
The intense social media attention and online frenzy during the defamation trial had a significant impact on Heard, leading her to feel like a pariah. She desired privacy and a chance to start anew outside of the United States. Heard’s bilingual abilities in Spanish have also contributed to her decision to raise her daughter away from the noise.
Despite the challenges she faced, Heard made her post-trial return to the film industry. She recently appeared at the Taormina Film Festival in Italy for the premiere of her movie In the Fire. In her Instagram posts celebrating the event, she expressed gratitude to her fans and supporters.
Looking ahead, Heard plans to continue her acting career and is set to reprise her role as Queen Mera in the upcoming film Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, scheduled for release in December 2023.
Heard’s journey to find refuge in Spain showcases her resilience and determination to pursue her passion for acting while seeking a peaceful life away from the constant scrutiny and noise of the media. By embracing a new chapter in Madrid, Heard hopes to regain control over her narrative and be appreciated solely for her talent on the big screen.
