With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Amber Heard Accuses Johnny Depp Of Turning Their Divorce Settlement Into A Tax Write-Off
Amber Heard and Johnny Depp attend the 'Black Mass' Virgin Atlantic Gala screening during the BFI London Film Festival, at Odeon Leicester Square on October 11, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by John Phillips/Getty Images for BFI)
()
Amber Heard is demanding that Johnny Depp double the amount being paid to charity following her divorce settlement. Depp donated directly to her chosen charities rather than giving the money to her first—meaning he'll likely end up with a sizable tax write-off.In case you haven't been following, actress Amber Heard made headlines earlier this month when she announced that she would be donating her entire $7 million divorce settlement from Johnny Depp to charity. In May, Heard had accused Depp of domestic violence charges, and later filed for a restraining order against him. The $7 million settlement came as part of an out-of-court agreement made between the pair, following a series of very messy and public divorce proceedings. Heard announced soon after that she would be splitting the settlement between two charities, Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, and the ACLU, with the ACLU money earmarked for work relating to domestic violence victims.
"Amber Heard appreciates Johnny Depp's novel interest in supporting two of her favorite charities...However, if Johnny wishes to change the settlement agreement, we must insist that he honor the full amount by donating $14 million to charity, which, after accounting for his tax deduction, is equal to his $7 million payment obligation to Amber," the actress's representatives said in a statement as quoted by the BBC.
"Anything less would be a transparent attempt by Johnny's counsel, Laura Wasser and Patti Glaser, to reduce their client's true payment by half under the guise of newfound concern for charities that he has never previously supported," they continued.
Weirdly, this isn't even the first time that the Pirates of the Caribbean star has been in the news for tax-related reasons. In 2011, he left France (home to his then-wife, Vanessa Paradis), allegedly to avoid having to pay income tax in the country.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Tornadoes could have hit San Louis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties last night, though we're awaiting confirmation. -
Jet Propulsion Laboratory leadership announces that 11% of the workforce is being cut. -
The rock legend joins LAist for a lookback on his career — and the next chapter of his music. -
Yes, it's controversial, but let me explain. -
What do stairs have to do with California’s housing crisis? More than you might think, says this Culver City councilmember. -
Doctors say administrator directives allow immigration agents to interfere in medical decisions and compromise medical care.
Best of LAist