Amber Heard's Divorce Settlement Comes With An Unexpected Twist

Amber Heard announced that she will donate the $7 million she received from her divorce settlement from Johnny Depp to charity.

"As described in the restraining order and divorce settlement, money played no role for me personally and never has, except to the extent that I could donate it to charity and, in doing so, hopefully help those less able to defend themselves," Heard said in a statement to People magazine on Aug. 18, 2016. "As reported in the media, the amount received in the divorce was $7 million and $7 million is being donated," she added. "This is over and above any funds that I have given away in the past and will continue to give away in the future."

The donation will reportedly be divided equally between the American Civil Liberties Union, with "a particular focus to stop violence against women" and the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles. According to People, Heard has been volunteering at the children's hospital for the past 10 years. "I know these organizations will put the funds to good use and look forward to continuing to support them in the future. Hopefully, this experience results in a positive change in the lives of people who need it the most," Heard said, via her statement.

Heard and Depp reached a settlement on Aug. 16, 2016, months after Heard filed for divorce and accused Depp of domestic violence. In a joint statement, the couple said, "Our relationship was intensely passionate and at times volatile, but always bound by love. Neither party has made false accusations for financial gains. There was never an 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."

Their divorce settlement followed a tumultuous period of embarrassing headlines for the couple. As Nicki Swift previously reported, photos were released of an alleged argument between Depp and Heard, during which Depp supposedly accused Heard of having an affair with her co-star, Billy Bob Thornton. Sources for both Heard and Thornton denied the tryst. A leaked video allegedly showing a separate argument between the embattled couple depicted Depp slamming cabinets, swearing, and throwing a wine glass across the room.