Amber Heard Is Focused on 'Work That Helped Me Heal After My Divorce' amid Johnny Depp Settlement

Amber Heard.Photo: Neilson Barnard/Getty On Monday, as Heard, 36, announced she had made “a very difficult decision” to settle the case, the actress shared that she is “also choosing the freedom to dedicate my time to the work that helped me heal after my divorce” from Depp, 59, who was awarded more than $10 million in damages after a seven-person jury found that Heard defamed Depp in her 2018 op-ed about domestic violence.

Amber Heard Is ‘Finding Happiness’ After Johnny Depp Trial, Says HerIn the FireDirector (Exclusive)

Amber Heard in Spain in May.Photo:Jose Ramon Hernando/Europa Press via Getty Jose Ramon Hernando/Europa Press via Getty Amber Heardis in a good place more than a year after she and her ex-husbandJohnny Deppfaced off in a brutal defamation trial, according to a good friend. Conor Allyn, who directed Heard in the 19th century-set thrillerIn the Firein the months leading up to the court case, tells PEOPLE the actress, 37, is doing well in Europe with her 2-year-old Oonagh Paige.

Amber Heard Is ‘Such a Dedicated Mom’ to Daughter Oonagh Paige, SaysIn the FireDirector (Exclusive)

Amber Heard at the Taormina Film Festival in June.Photo:Ernesto Ruscio/Getty Ernesto Ruscio/Getty Amber Heard’sIn the Firedirector Conor Allyn recalls how the actress always put her daughter first while making the movie. “Amber’s such a dedicated mom,” Allyn tells PEOPLE, adding “she is really good about making the time” for her 2-year-old Oonagh Paige. Allyn says Heard, who welcomed her daughter as a single mother in 2021, brought her little one to Italy when they filmed the 19th century-set thriller in the spring of 2022.

Amber Heard Issues Statement Before Being Cross-Examined: 'The Truth Is Not on Johnny Depp's Side'

“We fear it will be equal parts shameful and desperate,” the statement continued. “And, the overwhelming evidence — the truth — is not on Depp’s side. The one thing we suspect Depp’s attorneys will avoid is the central issue of this trial: Does Amber or any woman have the First Amendment Right of Freedom of Speech.” Court resumed Monday morning in Fairfax, Virginia, after a pre-planned week-long break. This is Heard’s third day on the stand.

Amber Heard Kisses Cinematographer Bianca Butti During Palm Springs Getaway

Amber Heardmay have a new lady in her life. TheAquamanstar, 33, was seen getting cozy with filmmaker Bianca Butti during a trip to Palm Springs on Sunday. While waiting at a valet stand, Heard and Butti were spotted locking lips before hopping into a red vintage Mustang together. Heard wore a pink flannel jacket over a black top and distressed jeans for the outing. She was also photographed with a medical boot, which she has beenwearing since New Year’s Day.