A complete timeline of the Johnny Depp and Amber Heard relationship and abuse allegations from both sides. TW: graphic descriptions and photos ahead. 
Johnny Depp and Amber Heard met on the set of ‘The Rum Diary’ in 2009. But it wasn’t until the promotion of the film in late 2011 that they reportedly became romantically involved. Depp was 48 and Heard was 25. Depp was also still dating Vanessa Paradis at the time.
Prior to Depp, Heard was dating Tasya Van Ree. In Sept 2009, Heard is arrested for allegedly striking Tasya at an airport. Van Ree states Heard was “wrongfully arrested” and that the incident was misinterpreted and sensationalized. Charges against Heard are quickly dropped.
In June 2012, Johnny Depp announces that he and his partner of 14 years, Vanessa Paradis, have split. From there, things quickly heat up between Depp and Heard. E! reports Depp was so smitten with Heard, he bought her a horse. The actress begins to regularly visit Depp on set.
In 2013, Depp is profiled by Rolling Stone in an article where he reveals a dependency on pain medication and alcohol, but also that he’s been sober for “a year and a half”. He reportedly falls of the wagon right before the first alleged incident of abuse.
The first allegation of abuse occurs in March 2013. Heard claims Depp slapped her 3 times after she made a joke about his ‘Wino Forever’ tattoo. She claims to have a text in which he apologizes for turning into “the monster”. Depp denies the incident and doesn’t recall the joke.
Later in March 2013, Depp and Heard have another altercation, which he refers to in texts as the “disco bloodbath”. He accuses Heard of having an affair and backhands her while wearing heavy rings. Heard claims he hit her so hard that blood from her lips landed on the wall.
A photo taken after the alleged “disco bloodbath” incident is revealed in court. Depp claims it proves Heard has no visible facial injuries. Heard claims she’s hiding her bruise behind her hair in the photo and wearing red lipstick to cover her injured lip.
In late March 2013, Heard vents to her mother about her troubled relationship with Depp. She alleges Depp was completely off the wagon by this point and in a “spiral”. Depp refers to these texts as Heard admitting he wasn’t violent with her.
In June 2013, during a night of drinking and drugs, Depp allegedly becomes enraged when a female friend of Heard’s flirts with her. He threatens to break the womans wrists. He then damages the trailer they were staying in and refers to Heard as a “lesbian camp counselor”.
Despite turmoil in their relationship, Depp and Heard become engaged in January 2014. Heard is photographed wearing an engagement ring, and later the couple confirm the engagement to People Magazine.
In May 2014, while on a plane, Heard alleges Depp confronted her about shooting romantic scenes with James Franco, and accused her of having an affair. Depp proceeds to taunt, throw things at, and kick Heard. He later texts her an apology. Depp’s assistant confirms the incident.
In court documents, Johnny Depp’s former business managers would also corroborate the May 2014 plane assault, alleging they were made aware Depp “kicked” Amber Heard and that he had his team cover up the incident.
In Aug 2014, Depp goes to his private island to detox from painkillers. During this time Heard alleges he grabbed her by the hair and pushed her. Heard texts an on-sight nurse for help. Depp says he was in no physical state to get violent and accuses Heard of withholding his meds
Following the Aug 2014 detox trip, Depp texts Heard’s mother that he “couldn’t have made it without [Amber]”, stating it was “Amber and Amber only that got me through this”. He reportedly remains sober for the next few months.
In Jan 2015, Heard alleges Depp slapped her, grabbed her by the hair, and knelt on her back in their Tokyo hotel room. Depp denies any abuse as his children were in another room nearby. The couple later attends the Mortdecai premiere, where Depp says Amber had no visible injuries
A month later in Feb 2015, Amber Heard and Johnny Depp tie the knot in a private ceremony in LA. They have a larger wedding ceremony on Depp’s private island in the Bahamas. Heard’s sister testified she warned Amber ‘a ring won’t stop him from hitting you’.
The most severe abuse allegation occurs in March 2015, where Heard claims Depp put her through a “hostage situation” over the course of 3 days in Australia. Heard alleges Depp was abusing ecstasy and alcohol and that he viciously assaulted her, putting her in fear for her life.
Depp alleges Heard put a cigarette out on his cheek and began throwing bottles at him after being asked to sign a postnuptial agreement, resulting in his fingertip being severed by a bottle that shattered and ricocheted. Heard claims he injured himself while smashing a telephone.
Depp would later text his doctor that he cut off his own finger. He admits to dipping his injury in paint and defacing mirrors, accusing “Easy Amber” of having an affair with co-star Billy Bob Thornton. He doesn't seek medical care for 24 hours and is later hospitalized.
On March 23, 2015; Depp allegedly hits Amber repeatedly. His security arrives but does not intervene. Heard’s sister is standing by a flight of stairs and Depp makes a pushing motion, resulting in Amber punching him with a closed fist. She says it was self defense.
Heard’s sister, Whitney, confirms the March 23, 2015 altercation in her testimony, declaring she witnessed Depp grabbing Amber by the hair with one hand and punching her in the head with his other hand. Depp denies this.
During the Australia incident, Heard alleges she sustained scars from Depp dragging her across glass. In April 2015, Heard’s injuries are visible during a premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival. Depp’s lawyers claim the scars are actually from self harm.
In July 2015, on a train in Southeast Asia during their honeymoon, Depp allegedly hits Heard and grabs her by the throat at 3:30am. Depp’s security testify they wouldn’t have known about a fight at 3am. In a photo from that night, Depp claims his red nose is an injury from Heard.
Sept 2015: Depp & Heard have an altercation involving her slamming a door in his face. She claims he scraped her toes while forcing a door open, resulting in her hitting him to escape. Depp alleges he was punched in the jaw. She would later address the incident in her deposition.
Depp would later share photos of Amber with his son, Jack, to further illustrate Amber wasn’t injured on Thanksgiving Day 2015. Amber maintains she would act normal around their friends, and that the assaults occurred after the guests had left.
In Dec 2015, Depp allegedly drags Amber by the hair through his LA penthouse, ripping out clumps of her hair. Heard claims he then slapped, head butted her, dragged her on a bed and punched her repeatedly. She feared he was in a blackout state and would unintentionally kill her.
Depp would admit to “head butting” Heard during the Dec 2015 altercation, but claims it was an accident from him attempting to stop her from attacking him. Heard seeks help from a private nurse who noted she had a split lip but couldn’t confirm the hematomas on her scalp.
That same week in Dec 2015, Heard is scheduled to appear on James Corden. She says she wore heavy makeup and red lipstick to hide her injuries. A stylist says she saw no injuries on her but recalls Heard told her after filming, “Can you believe I did that show with 2 black eyes?”
Heard's make-up artist, Melanie Inglessis, testifies that she noticed a split lip, a bruise near the eye, and a chunk of hair missing on Amber’s head when doing her make-up for the James Corden appearance in December 2015. Depp maintains she had no injuries during the show.
On April 21 2016, Depp arrives late to Amber’s 30th birthday party, allegedly drunk and high. When Heard confronts him about being late, he throws a magnum of champagne and a wine glass at her and shoves her to the floor. He then proceeds to trash their condo. Depp denies this.
In his court filing, Depp claims after Amber confronted him about his tardiness to her birthday, she attacked him for ruining her party. He claims she punched him twice in the face. Depp submits a photo of his injury, though it’s dated March 2015, a year before the incident.
A day later in April 2016, a maid finds feces in their bed. Depp blames Heard, claiming she did it as a revenge prank. Heard says her dog was likely the culprit due to having bowel issues. A text is read in court where Depp previously jokes about defecating in their bedroom.
A judge rules that it is unlikely that Heard or a friend defecated in the bed after evidence reveals her dog had an incomplete mastery of her bowels. Heard’s reps claim Depp leaked the story to humiliate the actress. The couple take time apart and Heard travels to Coachella.
On May 20, 2016, Johnny’s mother, Betty Sue Palmer, passes away after a long illness at age 81. Depp reportedly takes her death hard and becomes an ‘emotional mess’. Depp’s team denies reports of concern, stating “he’s been drinking but hasn’t been out of control”.
On May 21, 2016 at 8:06pm, Amber is arguing with Johnny and asks their neighbor, Raquel Pennington, to come over. Raquel states she heard the argument and entered to see Depp screaming at Heard while she cowered. She proceeds to place her body between them to protect Amber.
During the May 21 2016 altercation, Depp allegedly throws his iPhone hard at Amber, causing an injury. She’s on the phone with her friend iO Tillet Wright and screams “call the cops!” as Depp continues to strike her. Wright hears Depp saying he’d peel her hair back and calls 911.
Pennington and another friend, Joshua Drew, take Amber to their apartment for protection. LAPD arrive 9:16pm but claim they didn’t see any injuries or damage. Amber refuses to provide a statement, and they leave a business card if she changes her mind. Depp denies hitting her.
Following the May 21 2016 altercation, Amber texts nurse Erin Boerum that Depp hit her in the face several times and provides photos of her injuries. A medical report confirms the assault. Nurse Boerum would later testify she didn’t believe Amber’s story that Depp was responsible
On May 22, 2016 around 11pm, James Franco visits Amber at her apartment and allegedly asks “what happened to you?”. CCTV footage is referenced by Depp’s lawyers who claim Heard was having an affair and is “visibly injury-free”.
On May 23, 2016 Amber files for divorce from Johnny Depp, citing irreconcilable differences. She obtains an emergency temporary restraining order and seeks spousal support. She is photographed at the courthouse with a bruise on her cheekbone, which Depp alleges she “painted on”.
Following Heard’s allegations and divorce petition on May 23 2016, Depp files a memorandum denying abuse and accuses Amber of “attempting to secure a premature financial resolution by alleging abuse”. In response, Heard drops her request for monthly spousal support.
On June 1, 2016; People Magazine obtains photos of Amber’s face covered with injuries that were allegedly caused by Depp. A concierge and a resident in Amber’s building tell TMZ they saw no bruises on her face, but Heard’s friend iO Wright debunks the claims on Twitter.
On August 12, 2016 a video recorded by Heard is published on TMZ showing Depp slamming cabinets and throwing glasses and a bottle. Depp claims he was reacting in grief over his mother’s death, though the video is dated Feb 2016 - 3 months before she died.
On Aug 13 2016 Amber testifies under oath in a 7hr deposition about Depp’s abuse. Under questioning by his lawyers, she admits “I did sometimes use physical force to defend myself when I was being attacked, overpowered or felt threatened. I did at times throw objects at Johnny.”
On Aug 15, 2016; Johnny Depp texts his former agent and friend, Christian Carino, that Amber is “begging for global humiliation” and accuses her of having an affair with Elon Musk. He vows he will “stop at nothing” to destroy her and brands her a “waste of a cum guzzler”
On August 16 2016 Depp and Heard settle their divorce. As part of the settlement, Heard withdraws her request for a domestic violence order of protection and accepts $7M. The couple release a joint statement declaring “neither party has made false accusations for financial gains”
On Jan 14 2017 Depp and Heard finalize the divorce and sign non-disparagement and non-disclosure agreements. Heard keeps their dogs and Depp keeps his real estate properties. Depp initially refuses to give the divorce money directly to Heard, opting to make donations in her name.
Heard is later granted the full $7M divorce settlement - which she pledges to donate to charities over the course of 10 years. After donating $1.3M, the ACLU stops receiving payments in 2018. Heard blames financial difficulties. Depp alleges she lied about the donation altogether
In December 2017, Johnny Depp is cast in the ‘Fantastic Beasts’ movie. Author J.K. Rowling defends the decision to cast Depp in the movie, stating the filmmakers are “genuinely happy” with having Depp in the film, despite the abuse accusations against him from Amber Heard.
Dec 20, 2018: Disney announces Depp won’t be returning for the next “Pirates of the Caribbean”, as they pursue rebooting the franchise. Depp alleges this decision was a result of Heard’s op-ed, though Disney denies it. In court, Depp later admits he wouldn’t have returned anyway.
March 1, 2019: Johnny Depp and his lawyer Adam Waldman file a $50M defamation lawsuit against Amber Heard over her WaPo op-ed. The lawsuit states “Heard is not a victim of violence, she is a perpetrator” and claims her abuse accusations were an “elaborate hoax” for publicity.
As part of the Mar 1, 2019 lawsuit, Depp submits photos of his bruises, allegedly inflicted by Heard. He claims, “She hit, punched and kicked me.” In photos taken by his security on Dec 2015, Depp displays injuries he says were caused by Heard slapping and scratching him.
April 11, 2019: In response to Depp’s lawsuit, Heard files a 300-page motion to dismiss, writing; “Johnny often would not remember his violent conduct after he came out of his drunk or medicated states” She alleges 14 incidents of abuse with evidence (This becomes relevant later)
January 2020: Private recordings between Heard and Depp are leaked online. A clip of Amber saying “I was hitting you” goes viral with the hashtag #AmberHeardIsAnAbuser. The audio provides no context that she hit him after he crushed her toes with a door, and is accepted as proof.
Feb 2020: A private phone call recorded by Depp leaks online, in which Amber says “Tell the world… see how many people believe or side with you” in response to Depp saying they had fair fights. This audio is widely taken out of context and used against Heard. Full conversation:
July 7, 2020: Depp’s defamation lawsuit against The Sun begins. In court documents, he paint a picture of himself as the victim of an abusive relationship. He characterizes Heard as “calculating; diagnosed borderline personality; sociopathic; narcissist; & completely dishonest.”
Unlike the US, in English law the burden of proof lies on the publisher. Heard is brought in by The Sun to testify on their behalf during the July 2020 trial that it was “entirely accurate and true” to call Depp a “wife beater”. Heard testifies to 14 incidents of assault.
In statements to the court, Depp’s former partners Winona Ryder and Vanessa Paradis deny ever experiencing any abuse in their relationships with him. A bodyguard named Sean Bett also testifies that he never saw Depp be violent, but claims he has witnessed Heard throw bottles.
August 2020: Amber Heard countersues Depp for $100M. Her lawsuit claims he tried to have her replaced on Aquaman and removed as a L’Oreal spokeswoman; hired bot accounts to wage a social media hate campaign against her; and intimidated her witnesses. The lawsuit moves forward.
As part of the on-going lawsuit, text messages from June 2013 are revealed between Johnny Depp and Paul Bettany, in which they discuss ‘burning, drowning, and sexually assaulting’ Amber’s corpse. Depp claims he was quoting a Monty Python sketch; Bettany says they lack context.
November 2, 2020: Depp loses his lawsuit against The Sun. The judge rules that their description of Depp as a “wife-beater” was “substantially true”. The judge finds 12 of the 14 allegations Heard made against Depp to be demonstrably true and “proved to the civil standard”.
November 6, 2020: Johnny Depp is asked by Warner Bros. to step down from his role as Grindelwald in the Fantastic Beasts franchise after losing his libel suit against The Sun. He agrees to quit the series. Depp announces plans to appeal the verdict in a public statement.
November 26 2020: A UK court denies Depp’s petition for an appeal and orders him to pay The Sun’s legal fees. Depp appeals again. In March 2021, a higher UK court of appeals also denies Depp’s appeal - essentially agreeing there was enough evidence to brand him a “wife-beater”.
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