Three years have passed since the highly publicized defamation trial between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard concluded on June 1, 2022, leaving both actors at a crossroads. The trial, which captivated audiences with its dramatic testimony and global media coverage, ended with a Virginia jury awarding Depp $10.35 million in damages, while Heard received $2 million on a counterclaim. Since then, the former couple has charted distinct paths—Heard retreating to Spain to focus on motherhood, and Depp reclaiming his place in Hollywood with a series of projects. Fans worldwide have taken to social media to express admiration, suggesting that both have found their own “right way to live” post-trial.

Amber Heard: A New Chapter in Spain

Following the trial’s conclusion, Amber Heard, now 39, left the United States for Spain, seeking privacy and a fresh start. Settling in the picturesque village of Costitx on the island of Mallorca, Heard has embraced motherhood with her daughter, Oonagh Paige, born via surrogacy in 2021, and twins Ocean and Agnes, welcomed in early 2025. The move was driven by a desire to escape the intense scrutiny that followed the legal battle, with a source telling a magazine that Heard “just had to get out of the U.S.” The serene Spanish countryside has offered her a sanctuary, allowing her to focus on raising her children away from Hollywood’s glare.

Heard’s life in Spain reflects a shift in priorities. Public sightings of her at local markets or the Sorolla Museum in Madrid show a woman embracing a simpler lifestyle, often accompanied by Oonagh. Her social media posts, though infrequent, highlight her joy in motherhood, with a recent Mother’s Day update featuring the twins’ tiny feet, captioned simply, “My world.” This contrasts sharply with her Hollywood days, where she was known for roles in Aquaman and Justice League. Her last major film, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, released in 2023, marked the end of her blockbuster era, as she claimed her role was reduced due to the trial’s fallout—a claim disputed by producers who cited a lack of chemistry with Jason Momoa.

Despite her retreat, Heard has not abandoned her career entirely. In 2023, she promoted her independent film In the Fire at the Taormina Film Festival in Italy, earning praise from director Conor Allyn for her resilience. “She’s still the shining light,” Allyn said, noting her ability to overcome the trial’s trauma. However, her focus remains on family, with insiders suggesting she’s selective about future projects, aiming for roles that allow creative control. This balance between motherhood and a cautious return to acting has resonated with fans, who applaud her for prioritizing personal healing over public redemption.

Johnny Depp: A Hollywood Comeback

While Heard sought solitude, Johnny Depp, now 62, has reemerged as a vibrant force in Hollywood. The trial, which he described as a “soap opera” that cost him roles like Grindelwald in the Fantastic Beasts franchise, initially dimmed his career prospects. Yet, Depp has defied the odds, leveraging his resilience and talent to reclaim his status. His recent projects, including the directorial debut Modi: Three Days on the Wing of Madness (2024) and the upcoming Day Drinker filmed in Spain with Penélope Cruz, signal a triumphant return.

Depp’s comeback gained momentum with appearances at events like the MTV Video Music Awards, where he surprised audiences as the Moonman, and a 2023 European tour with his band, Hollywood Vampires. His birthday celebration on June 9, 2025, on his private Bahamian island, Little Hall’s Pond Cay, further cemented his resurgence, drawing stars like Leonardo DiCaprio and Timothée Chalamet. The event, marked by music, fireworks, and rumors of a new romance, showcased a man at peace with his past. “I didn’t go nowhere,” Depp quipped in a recent interview, rejecting the “comeback” label with his signature humor.

His charitable acts, such as a recent visit to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, have also bolstered his image. Sitting with 8-year-old Ethan Carter until the boy fell asleep, Depp’s emotional response to the child’s request highlighted his humanity, earning widespread praise. This blend of professional success and personal goodwill has fans cheering, with many seeing it as evidence of his growth beyond the trial’s shadow.

The Trial’s Aftermath: A Divided Narrative

The defamation trial, rooted in Heard’s 2018 Washington Post op-ed about surviving domestic violence, pitted the couple against each other in a six-week legal battle. Depp sued for $50 million, alleging the article falsely implicated him, while Heard countersued for $100 million, claiming his attorney’s “abuse hoax” statements defamed her. The jury’s mixed verdict—favoring Depp on most counts but awarding Heard on one—left both with financial and reputational scars. The $1 million settlement in December 2022, with Depp donating the sum to charity, closed the chapter, but not the public discourse.

Heard’s move to Spain was partly a response to the backlash, including petitions with millions of signatures demanding her removal from Aquaman. She has faced trolling and criticism, yet her supporters, including women’s rights advocates, argue she was unfairly vilified. Depp, meanwhile, faced his own challenges, with Hollywood initially distancing itself. His victory, however, shifted the narrative, with allies like Cruz and DiCaprio standing by him, suggesting a industry reconciliation.

Fan Reactions: A Tale of Two Journeys

Social media has become a battleground and a mirror for public sentiment. On platforms like X, fans have lauded Heard’s choice to prioritize family, with posts celebrating her “peaceful life in Spain” and her strength as a mother. Others admire Depp’s return, calling his recent work “a masterclass in resilience.” A recurring theme is the belief that both have found their own paths to fulfillment. “Amber’s living for her kids, Johnny’s living for his art—both are doing it their way,” one user wrote, encapsulating the sentiment.

This duality reflects a broader cultural shift. Fans appreciate Heard’s retreat as a rejection of Hollywood’s toxicity, while Depp’s reintegration is seen as a triumph over adversity. The contrast—her quiet domesticity versus his glamorous resurgence—has sparked debates about gender expectations and career trajectories, yet many agree that both have navigated the trial’s fallout with authenticity.

Broader Implications

The divergent paths of Heard and Depp raise questions about the entertainment industry’s treatment of personal scandals. Heard’s struggle to secure roles post-trial highlights the challenges faced by women in similar situations, while Depp’s rapid rehabilitation underscores the privilege of male stars with established legacies. His recent film work in Spain, where Heard now resides, adds an ironic twist, with some speculating about potential encounters—though none have been reported.

The trial’s legacy also extends to societal attitudes toward domestic abuse allegations. Heard’s supporters argue her experience reflects a broader silencing of victims, while Depp’s defenders see his victory as a vindication against false claims. This polarization persists, yet the focus on their current lives suggests a public desire to move forward, focusing on their personal growth rather than past conflicts.

A Lasting Legacy?

As of June 10, 2025, Heard continues to thrive in Spain, her children her anchor, while Depp’s star rises anew in Hollywood. Her occasional film projects and his packed schedule indicate both are carving niches that suit their current realities. Fans’ approval, expressed through online support and ticket sales, suggests a collective endorsement of their choices.

The defamation trial, once a symbol of division, now frames a narrative of redemption—Heard through motherhood, Depp through art. Whether this marks a permanent shift or a temporary reprieve, their stories offer a compelling study in resilience. For fans, it’s a testament that, after the storm, both have found a way to live authentically, each in their own right.