A New Chapter for Johnny Depp

Johnny Depp, the 61-year-old Hollywood icon, has been making headlines once again, but this time, it’s not for his legal battles or career comebacks—it’s for his blossoming romance with 28-year-old Spanish influencer and Dior beauty ambassador, Yulia Vlasova. On May 27, 2025, the couple was spotted enjoying a romantic evening in New York City, a sighting that has sparked widespread interest and reignited discussions about Depp’s personal life. After years of public scrutiny, particularly following his high-profile defamation trial against ex-wife Amber Heard in 2022, Depp appears to be finding happiness and stability in this new relationship, proving that love can indeed burn bright, even amidst the chaos of fame.

Depp and Vlasova’s relationship first came to public attention in late 2024, when rumors began circulating after Vlasova shared intimate photos of the pair on Instagram. One post, accompanied by the cryptic caption, “Don’t believe everything you hear on the internet,” showed the couple cuddling at Depp’s personal beach bar in the Bahamas. Sources at the time described their relationship as “casual,” with the pair meeting sporadically around the world. However, their recent appearances together in New York suggest that their bond has deepened, capturing the attention of fans and media alike.

A Night Out in the Big Apple

The couple’s New York outing took place at The Bowery Hotel, a chic, low-key spot known for its celebrity clientele and intimate atmosphere. Witnesses reported that Depp and Vlasova arrived hand-in-hand around 8 PM, both dressed in stylish yet understated outfits. Depp sported a black leather jacket, fedora, and his signature round sunglasses, while Vlasova looked effortlessly elegant in a cream-colored coat and ankle boots, her blonde hair cascading over her shoulders. The pair appeared relaxed and affectionate, laughing together as they settled into a corner table in the hotel’s lounge.

“They looked like they were in their own little world,” said a fellow diner who was at the venue that evening. “Johnny was very attentive, pulling out her chair and making sure she was comfortable. You could tell they were genuinely enjoying each other’s company.” The couple reportedly shared a bottle of red wine and a charcuterie board, with Depp occasionally leaning in to whisper something that made Vlasova smile. Their chemistry was undeniable, a stark contrast to the often tumultuous relationships that have defined Depp’s past.

Later in the evening, the couple took a stroll through the East Village, stopping at a small bookstore where Depp is said to have purchased a poetry collection for Vlasova. Paparazzi captured the moment, with photos showing Depp wrapping an arm around Vlasova’s waist as they navigated the bustling streets. The images, which quickly spread across social media platforms like X, were met with a mix of admiration and curiosity from fans. “Johnny looks so happy with Yulia,” one user wrote. “It’s refreshing to see him smiling after everything he’s been through.”

The Age Gap: A Topic of Debate

Depp and Vlasova’s 33-year age difference has inevitably sparked debate, a common theme in Hollywood relationships where significant age gaps are often scrutinized. Critics on social media have questioned whether the relationship is sustainable, with some suggesting that Vlasova’s interest in Depp may be tied to his fame and wealth. “She’s young enough to be his daughter,” one commenter remarked on X. “I hope she’s not just another gold-digger.” Others, however, have defended the couple, arguing that age is irrelevant when it comes to genuine connection. “Johnny deserves happiness after all the hell he’s been through,” another fan countered. “If Yulia makes him happy, that’s all that matters.”

Depp himself has not directly addressed the criticism, but friends of the actor have previously described the relationship as “not serious” or “exclusive,” suggesting that both parties are taking a relaxed approach. In November 2024, a source close to Depp told the Daily Mail, “He’s Johnny Depp, and I don’t think a standard committed relationship is going to be his thing.” Yet, the couple’s recent public appearances indicate a level of comfort and commitment that contradicts earlier reports of a casual fling. Vlasova, for her part, has remained cryptic but affectionate in her social media posts, often sharing glimpses of their time together without explicitly confirming the nature of their relationship.

Depp’s Journey to Love After Heartbreak

To understand the significance of Depp’s relationship with Vlasova, it’s essential to revisit the tumultuous years that preceded it. Depp’s marriage to Amber Heard, which lasted from 2015 to 2017, ended in a highly publicized divorce that spiraled into a series of legal battles. Heard’s 2018 op-ed in The Washington Post, where she described herself as a survivor of domestic abuse, led Depp to sue her for defamation in 2020, claiming the piece falsely implicated him. The 2022 trial, which was broadcast live and watched by millions, resulted in a verdict largely in Depp’s favor, with the jury awarding him over $10 million in damages. However, the ordeal took a significant toll on his career and personal life, leading him to retreat from Hollywood and focus on smaller projects in Europe.

Following the trial, Depp briefly dated his lawyer Joelle Rich in 2022, a relationship that reportedly fizzled out by November of that year. Sources at the time noted that the pair had “off the scale chemistry,” but Depp’s reluctance to commit—likely a result of the trauma from his legal battles—prevented the relationship from progressing. Since then, Depp has been linked to other women, including another blonde influencer named Greta Cruz, who was spotted with him in St. Tropez in 2024. However, his connection with Vlasova appears to be the most consistent and public of his recent romantic endeavors.

Vlasova: The Woman Who Captured Depp’s Heart

Yulia Vlasova, a 28-year-old Spanish influencer and model, has built a modest but growing following on Instagram, where she often shares her work with Dior and other luxury brands. Described as poised and intelligent, Vlasova has a background in fashion and beauty, with a particular focus on promoting sustainable and ethical brands. Her social media presence is polished yet personal, often featuring travel photos, fashion shoots, and the occasional glimpse into her personal life—like her moments with Depp.

Little is known about how the couple met, but their shared love for travel and art likely played a role in bringing them together. Vlasova’s posts from 2024 show her accompanying Depp to events like Andrea Bocelli’s concert in St. Tropez, where she mingled with other celebrities like Russell Crowe and Ed Sheeran. Her ability to navigate Depp’s high-profile world with ease suggests a maturity beyond her years, which may be a key factor in their relationship’s success. “Yulia seems to genuinely care for Johnny,” a source close to the couple told a tabloid in 2024. “She’s not fazed by his fame and appreciates him for who he is, not what he represents.”

A Bright Future Together?

Depp’s life in 2025 has been a mix of personal renewal and professional resurgence. On the career front, he is making a significant return to Hollywood with Day Drinker, a thriller set to release in 2026, where he stars alongside Penélope Cruz and Madelyn Cline. The film, which began production in April 2025, marks his first major studio role since 2020, following years of smaller projects like Jeanne du Barry (2023) and his directorial effort Modi (2024). Fans have noted that Depp looks “unrecognizable” in first-look photos from the set, sporting a new, polished look that reflects his personal transformation.

On a personal level, his relationship with Vlasova appears to be a source of joy and stability. The couple’s New York outing is just one of many public moments they’ve shared in recent months, suggesting that they are comfortable being seen together despite the media attention. While some may question the longevity of their romance due to the age gap, Depp and Vlasova seem unfazed, focusing instead on the present and the happiness they bring each other.

Public Reaction and the Road Ahead

The public’s response to Depp and Vlasova’s relationship has been mixed but largely positive among his loyal fanbase. On X, fans have expressed delight at seeing Depp happy, with comments like, “Johnny deserves this after everything he’s been through,” and “Yulia seems so sweet—they look great together.” Others have praised Depp for moving forward after years of hardship, with one user noting, “He’s been through hell and back, but he’s still got that spark. Love this for him.”

As of May 29, 2025, Depp and Vlasova continue to enjoy their time together, splitting their days between New York and Europe, where Depp has been filming. Whether their relationship will stand the test of time remains to be seen, but for now, it’s clear that love still burns bright for Johnny Depp. His journey from heartbreak to happiness is a testament to his resilience, and with Vlasova by his side, he appears to be embracing this new chapter with an open heart, ready for whatever the future holds.