This is a divorce case that has the potential to effect Johnny Depp’s professional career. Just look at the case of Mel Gibson to see what an allegation of domestic abuse cause his career in Hollywood. On May 23, 2016, Amanda Heard (“Heard”) filed for divorce from famous actor husband Johnny Depp (“Depp”) in Los Angeles, California. However, only four days after filing for divorce, Heard requested that a restraining order against Depp.
The request for the restraining order stated that there was an immediate threat of harm to Heard. Despite the fact that Depp is out of town filming a new movie, the judge granted the restraining order against Depp. The order requires for Depp to stay more than 100 yards away from Heard, and a no contact order was put into place until June 17th which is when the hearing will take place.
On the other hand, Depp attorney’s point to the fact that Heard has yet to file any criminal charges against Depp. Depp’s lawyer contends that the abuse allegations are a fishing expedition for spousal support. Surely, Depp has a Premarital Agreement with his wife.
It has been reported that Heard showed up to court in Los Angeles with bruises on her face allegedly caused by Depp. Hi wife claims that Depp “repeatedly hit her during a recent fight and left her face bruised.” The wife said there was an altercation that prior Saturday where Johnny Depp was drunk and high. During the altercation, Heard claimed that Depp pulled her hair, screamed at her, repeatedly hit her, and grabbed her face.
In Heard’s sworn testimony she stated that she “ endured excessive emotional, verbal, and physical abuse from Johnny, which included angry, hostile, humiliating, and threatening assaults to me whenever I questioned his authority or disagreed with him.” She went on to say that she lives in consistent fear that Johnny will show up at her house unannounced and terrorize her. However, many question if this allegation is actually true. On May 21, 2016, before the divorce was even filed, an incident happened where a third party reported a domestic abuse incident to the Los Angeles Police Department (“LAPD”).
The LAPD found no evidence of a crime, and Heard did not allege any sort of domestic abuse. Depp has not publicly commented but his attorney asserted “Heard’s filing, along with requests for financial assistance from the actor, appears to be in response to the negative media attention she received from earlier this week after filing for a divorce.”
Among the filing for the restraining order, Heard also asked for $50,000 a month in spousal support, protection for one of her dogs from Depp, and also asked the judge to order Depp into anger management. The judge denied all claims mentioned above, except for the restraining order, but allowed Heard the right to live in the family home. The couple have only been married for (15) months. Rather a short marriage for $50,000 in spousal support, then again this is Hollywood, California.
In sum, this divorce and alleged abuse and can lead to detrimental effects on both individuals’ careers. Not only does this divorce involve great sums of money and an effect on potential careers, it involves an allegation that carries great stigma and the seriousness of this accusation should not be undermined.
If you are in an abusive marriage and are considering filing for divorce, or are being accused of domestic violence, contact Ingram Law LLC or Joseph A. Ingram at (205) 303-1753..