LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: It has been revealed that the $1 million that Amber Heard owed Johnny Depp will go to the charities close to his heart. Depp was recently paid the enormous amount by Heard's insurance company as part of her settlement following the defamation suit. According to sources with firsthand information, Depp is prepared to pay out the donation right now.
As per reports, the money will be distributed equally among five different organizations for five different causes that Depp supports, amounting to $200k for each organization. These initiatives range from housing historically oppressed people and helping sick children with life-threatening illnesses to safeguarding ecosystems/natural settings all across the world.
Which charities will benefit?
Specifically, the money will be divided between The Amazonia Fund Alliance, Tetiaroa Society, The Painted Turtle, Red Feather, and Make-A-Film Foundation. Similar to Make-A-Wish, Make-A-Film grants children's wishes from professionals who work in the film industry, such as actors and directors. They've reportedly worked with Depp before on a short film, which is why he has put them on his shortlist, as reported by TMZ.
Meanwhile, the Tetiaroa Society and Painted Turtle are, in fact, homages to two important figures in Depp's life: Paul Newman and Marlon Brando. The legends had a key role in the creation and growth of the charities, and Depp reportedly wishes to carry on each of their distinct legacies by making these gifts.
Red Feather and Amazonia, on the other hand, are dedicated to assisting indigenous people in preserving their culture and legacy throughout the Americas. This is done by providing sanctuaries and shelters for individuals and extensive infrastructure projects to safeguard settlements. Since the early days of the lawsuit, Depp had maintained that his goal was not to steal money from Amber but rather to clear his name and reputation. His decision to donate the settlement money appears to prove this claim.
Depp and Heard's relationship
On June 1, 2022, a jury determined that Heard's 2018 op-ed in which she identified herself as a victim of sexual violence was defamatory. The case brought Johnny Depp and Amber Heard's turbulent relationship to the limelight. The former couple got acquainted on the set of the 2011 movie 'The Rum Diary'. They were both seeing someone else at the time - Depp was engaged to French artist and actress Vanessa Paradis, while Heard was dating photographer Tasya van Ree. However, both actors later revealed there was a palpable spark between them.
