By now, I am sure we have all heard about Johnny Depp having to resign from his role as Gellert Grindelwald in the third installment of Fantastic Beasts from the Harry Potter franchise. This huge announcement left me wondering “How did it get this bad?” I remember hearing about Amber Heard a year ago and the accusations against Depp, but I don’t think anyone thought it would go this far. So, here’s how it all happened:
2009 – Depp meets Heard
In 2009, both Depp and Heard starred in “The Rum Diary” as love interests. Depp secured this role through his friend, Hunter S. Thompson who is the writer of the novel that the film is based on. One big thing to note about 2009 as well is that Heard was arrested for assault on her girlfriend in an airport. Charges were dropped, but it is interesting to note that she has a history of physical assault.
2011/2012 – Depp and Heard Start Dating
By the start of 2012, Depp and Heard started dating. Both Depp and Heard left their respective partners.
2014 – Heard is seen with an Engagement Ring
In 2014, USA TODAY Life on Twitter confirmed that Amber Heard had been seen with a ring the size of a small planet.
2015 – Private Wedding Ceremony
Depp and Heard, after dating for 3-4 years, tie the knot at their home in LA.
2016 – Heard files for Divorce and Gets a Restraining Order
Heard files for divorce on May 23rd, 2016, and also gets a restraining order against Depp on the grounds that he had physically abused her (both sober and under the influence). She reported that Depp had thrown his phone at her face, leaving her with a bruise. This claim was not substantiated, however, as the investigation into the incident proved that the incident did not take place. Depp denies the accusations; however, he did want to come to a financial resolution.
August 16th, 2016 – Settlement Reached
On this date, a $7 million settlement was reached after Heard withdrew her request for a restraining order and spousal support. There was also a non-disparagement clause, which will become important in the next milestone.
December 2018 – Heard wrote for The Washington Post about her relationship and how she was domestically abused
A direct violation of the non-disparagement clause, Heard wrote an op-ed that outlined how she was a survivor of domestic abuse. However, Depp’s name was never mentioned.
2019 – Depp sues Heard for $50 Million over The Washington Post article
Since they had signed a non-disparagement clause in 2016, Depp sued on the grounds that Heard was defaming his character. He also stated that Heard had affairs with Elon Musk and James Franco. Heard outlined multiple instances in wake of the suit and referred to him as “the Monster”. One of the keystone instances that Heard outlined of the domestic abuse was that Depp dragged her through broken glass.
January 2020 – Phone Recordings Prove Heard hit Depp
This is the link to the phone call published by Daily Mail where Heard admits to hitting Depp. Depp is asking for time apart from Heard in order to stop any physical violence. She rebuttals with “I can’t promise that I won’t get physical again” and she also admits to starting a physical fight in another clip.
July 7th, 2020 – Trial Begins
At this time, Depp is being called a wife-beater by The Sun in regards to his relationship with Heard. Both Winona Ryder and Vanessa Paradis, Depp’s former love interests, provided statements in his defense. Depp also stated that Heard defecated in their bed and punched him numerous times, but Heard denies it. Heard, in defense, stated that Depp had said he was going to kill her on multiple occasions.
November 2nd, 2020 – Court Rules Against Depp
The court rules in favour of Amber Heard, even though Depp announces that he is going to appeal.
November 6th, 2020 – Johnny Depp Resigns from his role in Fantastic Beasts 3
All the studio had to say on the matter was that “We thank Johnny for his work on the films to date”. He is no longer going to play the role of Grindelwald in the upcoming film.
And now you are all caught up! It will be interesting to see how things proceed with Heard and Depp going forward, and we can only hope that the truth comes out eventually.