Amber Heard Speaks Out About Johnny Depp Trial for First Time After Moving Abroad and Changing Name
By Anish Vij
Amber Heard has opened up for the first time in years about her high-profile legal battle with Johnny Depp in the new documentary Silenced, which examines how defamation lawsuits can be used to silence women speaking out about abuse.
The Aquaman actress said she feels she “no longer has a voice,” reflecting on the impact of her 2022 Virginia trial. The jury found that her 2018 Washington Post op-ed on domestic violence—though it did not mention Depp by name contained false, defamatory statements made with malice. Depp was awarded $15 million in damages, later reduced to $10.35 million. Heard’s countersuit won $2 million on one of her three claims.
Since the trial, Heard has relocated to Madrid, reportedly changing her name to fully integrate into her new community. Last year, she announced the birth of twins, joining her four-year-old daughter, Oonagh Paige, making her a mother of three.
Amber Heard was married to Johnny Depp from 2015 to 2017 (JIM WATSON/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Heard has now appeared in the new documentary Silenced, her first feature film cameo since 2023’s Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.
Led by director Selina Miles and international human rights lawyer Jennifer Robinson, it recently premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.
Robinson played a role in helping Heard during a 2018 lawsuit filed by Depp against The Sun.
The paper ran a story criticising Depp’s casting in The Fantastic Beasts by labelling accusations of domestic violence brought by Heard. Depp sued the paper for libel.
Heard is now living in Spain (Francisco Guerra/Europa Press via Getty Images)
“I’ve lost my ability to speak. I’m not here to share my story.
“In fact, I don’t want to use my voice at all anymore. That’s the issue.”
At the Variety Studio, Robinson highlighted the “chilling effect” that defamation lawsuits have on women.
Heard has appeared in new documentary ‘Silenced’ (EVELYN HOCKSTEIN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
“In the post-#MeToo era, women began breaking the cultural silence, speaking out publicly about gender-based violence,” she said.
“But often, the alleged perpetrator responds with a defamation claim: ‘This isn’t true, it’s defamatory, and I’m going to sue you for a lot of money.’”
Robinson explained, “You can fight back in court, but it’s extremely expensive and can bankrupt most women. This film asks a crucial question: what does free speech mean if you can’t afford to defend it?”
Silenced is currently seeking distribution.
If you are experiencing domestic violence, you are not alone. You can speak confidentially to Refuge, the national domestic violence helpline, at 0808 2000 247 (24/7) or via live chat, 10am–10pm, Monday to Friday.
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