Amber Heard, the estranged wife of “Pirates of the Caribbean” star Johnny Depp, is donating her full $7 million divorce settlement to charity, the actress said in a statement Thursday.
The donation will be split between the American Civil Liberties Union, to aid in that organization’s efforts to stop violence against women, and the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, where the actress has volunteered for the past decade.
“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,” Heard said of the hospital.
“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,” she continued.
“I know these organizations will put the funds to good use and look forward to continuing to support them in the future,” Heard added. “Hopefully, this experience results in a positive change in the lives of people who need it the most.”
Heard, who had been married to Depp for little more than a year, filed for divorce from the actor in May, and days later filed for a restraining order, claiming that the actor had been abusive to her throughout their relationship.
The couple settled their divorce on Tuesday, a day before a hearing was to be held on the matter.
“Our relationship was intensely passionate and at times volatile, but always bound by love,” Depp and Heard said in a statement on Tuesday, following the settlement. “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.”