Is Amber Heard Reinventing Herself in Spain After Hollywood’s Most Controversial Trial?

After years of being at the center of one of Hollywood’s most controversial legal battles, Amber Heard has left the glare of the spotlight behind. Following her defamation trial with ex-husband Johnny Depp, the actress has relocated to Spain, seeking a fresh start away from the scrutiny that has defined much of her recent life. Now, in Madrid, Heard is embracing a quieter existence, focusing on motherhood, and a life far removed from the tabloid frenzy that once followed her every move. But is this truly a new beginning, or just a temporary retreat?

Johnny Depp Defamation Trial

In May 2016, 30-year-old Heard filed for divorce from 52-year-old Depp. Alongside the filing, she sought a restraining order, claiming he had been verbally and physically abusive during their relationship and accusing him of substance abuse. Depp strongly denied the allegations.

By August 2016, he agreed to a $7 million divorce settlement—an amount Heard pledged to charity—along with $500,000 to cover her legal fees. Their divorce was officially finalized in January 2017.

In 2019, Depp filed a defamation lawsuit against Heard following her opinion piece in The Washington Post, where she described herself as a “public figure representing domestic abuse.”

In April 11, 2022, a highly publicized six-week trial began, unveiling deeply personal details about the former couple’s marriage, divorce, finances, and even Heard’s past relationship with Elon Musk. The trial, a media spectacle, not only captivated global audiences but also posed a serious threat to both actors’ careers.

The jury’s verdict in June 2022, ultimately leaned in Depp’s favor, ruling in his favor on all three defamation claims and awarding him over $10 million in damages.

Following the decision, Heard expressed her devastation on her Instagram, stating, “I am heartbroken that the mountain of evidence still was not enough to stand up to the disproportionate power, influence, and sway of her ex-husband.”

Where is Amber Heard Now?

The actress has settled into her new life in Madrid, Spain with her daughter, Oonagh Paige. In search of privacy, she went by the name Martha Jane Cannary before rooting herself in an entirely new place.

Since relocating, Heard has kept a relatively low profile, focusing on motherhood and personal growth. She has been seen enjoying the cultural richness of Madrid, often spotted speaking Spanish fluently—a skill she has developed over the years. Her move appears to be a deliberate attempt to distance herself from the media hysteria that once dominated her life, allowing her to reclaim a sense of normalcy away from Hollywood’s relentless spotlight.

An anonymous source told People Magazine in November 2022 that Heard is able to “be just a mom there.” She is now focused on raising her three year old daughter, whom she welcomed on April 8th, 2021. Heard is now taking strolls, visiting parks, and cherishing quality time with her child. "Amber is a great mom," the source added, emphasizing her devotion to motherhood away from the public eye.

While Heard has stepped back from major Hollywood productions, she has not abandoned her acting career entirely. She remains committed to film, with recent independent projects keeping her engaged in the industry on her own terms. Rather than pursuing blockbuster roles, she seems to be carefully curating her work, choosing projects that align with her personal and professional reinvention.

In April 2024, Heard was spotted out on a jog, clad in a matching navy blue athletic set. “This is all behind her now, though. She has new energy and is focused on things that she loves,” and insider added.

The former Aquaman actress, 38 now, is expecting her second baby. A spokesperson for Heard says, “It is still quite early in the pregnancy, so you will appreciate that we do not want to go into much detail at this stage. Suffice to say that Amber is delighted both for herself and Oonagh paige.”

“I now appreciate how radical it is for us as women to think about one of the most fundamental parts of our destinies in this way,” she wrote at the time. “I hope we arrive at a point in which it’s normalized to not want a ring in order to have a crib.”