LOS ANGELES, Aug. 19 (UPI) — Amber Heard has chosen to donate the entirety of her divorce settlement from Johnny Depp, totaling $7 million, to charities.
“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,” the actress said in an official statement Thursday.
“As reported in the media, the amount received in the divorce was $7 million and $7 million is being donated. This is over and above any funds that I have given away in the past and will continue to give away in the future,” she continued.
“The donation will be divided equally between the ACLU [American Civil Liberties Union], with a particular focus to stop violence against women, and the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, where I have worked as a volunteer for the past 10 years alongside organizations like the Art of Elysium. Over the years, I have seen firsthand how more funding for staffing, better equipment and better medication can make the difference between life or death for a child.”
“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 concluded.
The ACLU thanked Heard, stating that her donation will “help other women live safely and freely,” with the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles adding that the funds “will support the lifesaving treatments and cures that Children’s Hospital Los Angeles provides for critically ill children each year.”
Heard was awarded $7 million Tuesday after she settled with Depp outside of court amid the pair’s domestic violence case and divorce. As part of the settlement, the Justice League star withdrew her domestic violence case and did so with prejudice, meaning, she cannot re-file in the future. Heard’s restraining order against Depp was also lifted.
Days before the agreement, Heard denied leaking a video online of the actor in a fit of rage as he was seen yelling and breaking bottles.
Depp, 53, and Heard, 30, met while starring together in 2011’s The Rum Diary and tied the knot in February of 2015. The actress filed for divorce in May, just days after the death of Depp’s mother, citing “irreconcilable differences.”
