Amber Heard has traded the Hollywood spotlight for a more private existence in Madrid, where she is raising her three children. The actress, once known for her role as Mera in the DC Extended Universe, has stepped back from her acting career to focus on her family.
Heard welcomed her daughter, Oonagh, in April 2021, announcing the birth via surrogate on her own terms. She has since welcomed twins, Ocean and Agnes, in May 2025. She has emphasized her commitment to solo parenting, stating that she wanted to have children "on my own terms."
Following the conclusion of her widely publicized defamation trial with ex-husband Johnny Depp in 2022, Heard sought a change of scenery. She initially rented a property in Mallorca under the pseudonym Martha Jane Cannary before settling in Madrid. This move was described as a calculated effort to distance herself from the intense media scrutiny and fallout from the trial.
Sources close to the actress indicated that she sought a fresh start in Spain, aiming to regain new energy and focus on aspects of her life that she loves. The Texas native has not worked as an actress since the trial, with films released in 2023 reportedly receiving poor reception, leading some to believe she has been "blacklisted" in Hollywood.
In 2024, it was reported that Heard had purchased a home in Madrid's Chamartin district, integrating into the local community. Neighbors describe her as keeping a low profile, often seen in casual attire and blending in with the neighborhood, which includes millionaires, footballers, and politicians. The community's discreet nature appears to appeal to Heard, as residents largely respect each other's privacy.
Heard has also embraced Spanish culture, learning the language, which was evident in a previous TikTok video. Her daughter Oonagh attends a private Catholic school in Madrid that offers instruction in both English and Spanish. The actress is often seen with her daughter, visiting an American supermarket in Madrid for familiar products.
In a rare public comment on the trial's impact, Heard stated in the documentary "Silenced" that the experience had cost her "the ability to speak" and that she no longer wished to use her voice. This sentiment reflects the profound effect the legal battle had on her public and personal life.
Heard's personal life has recently resurfaced in headlines when model Cara Delevingne revealed a past romantic involvement with Heard in 2016, around the time Heard began dating Elon Musk. However, Heard's current focus remains on her children, with a pause on both work and dating.
Heard and Depp's relationship began in 2009, and they married in 2016 before divorcing a year later. The defamation lawsuit stemmed from a 2018 op-ed Heard wrote for The Washington Post. While Depp was not named, his legal team argued the piece implied he was an abuser. The trial resulted in Depp being awarded $10.3 million in damages, while Heard was awarded $2 million on her counterclaim. The case was settled in December 2022, with Heard stating she never chose the legal battle and that the "vilification" she faced on social media amplified how women are re-victimized when they come forward.