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When the director told Johnny Depp his co-star Amber Heard had just arrived on set with her ‘wife’, he replied: ‘No leading lady of mine stays gay for long’ – a new book lifts the lid on the couple’s car crash marriage

BBG News

Before Johnny Depp and Amber Heard exchanged vows, their wedding festivities felt like an extended celebration. As guests made their way to Little Halls Pond Cay, Johnny’s private island in the Bahamas, they were welcomed by a black flag bearing skull and crossbones, dancing wildly in the balmy breezes.

On the beach, Moroccan-style lounging spots were created with rugs and pillows. Deeper inside the landscape, yurts served as sleeping quarters. The ambiance was undeniably tranquil. One of Amber’s bridesmaids suggested MDMA to Johnny’s British culinary expert, Russell Borrill, while he was transporting meals towards an informal dining space.

At approximately $500 per bottle, many individuals were seen savoring Chateau Pichon straight from the bottle: ‘Some folks were roaming about with bottles in hand.’ Russell made an effort, preparing themed dishes for nearly 40 guests daily – barbecue with pulled pork ribs, a Spanish-inspired meal, and later Caribbean cuisine. However, much of it ended up unused as ‘many were dealing with hangovers or substance use issues’.

At some meals, no one turned up.

On the 7th of February, 2015 (Saturday), Johnny and Amber’s wedding, which was preceded by a private legal ceremony in Los Angeles, took place under an arch adorned with sheer white fabric and lush greenery and roses. As she made her way down the aisle, Amber was accompanied by the soothing tunes of Van Morrison’s Sweet Thing.

Johnny’s son Jack was best man.

John donned a crisp white suit accompanied by a black waistcoat and a pocket chain, while Amber chose a delicate, white lace gown and wore a long, translucent veil. After a warm embrace, they posed happily for the snapping cameras of their friends.

According to Bruce Witkin, an old friend and former bandmate of Johnny, he remarked that Johnny and Amber seemed unusually intoxicated, reminiscing back on their days as teenagers. Bruce noticed some of Johnny’s personal healthcare team in the audience. ‘Johnny appeared drugged. Amber did too. They were acting like mindless creatures. If someone requires such an excessive amount of medication to maintain a relationship with the person they love, there’s definitely something amiss.’

All at once, people gazed towards the heavens as a helicopter hovered overhead. It was the media up there. Amber and Johnny responded angrily by flipping the helicopter off, while the wedding party joined in, mimicking them and chuckling.

Worldwide tabloids published blurry images of the ceremony. The event, a gathering of glamorous Hollywood stars in an idyllic location, seemed like a perfect fairy tale. However, Johnny and Amber’s inner circle saw it as a union from hell. Friends, family, staff, and acquaintances were all drawn into their disputes, serving as unwilling participants, and later, as sworn witnesses.

In March 2021, we began producing a documentary centered around the couple. With the assistance of Johnny and Amber, we delved into their troubled marriage by interviewing over 100 individuals for a period of two years. This tumultuous union was marked by legal disputes in both the UK and US, where allegations of domestic violence were exchanged between the parties.

As a diligent researcher, I’ve meticulously examined witness testimonies, personal journals, therapy records, and both auditory and visual proof. I’ve strived for impartiality and fairness in my approach.

In the early part of 2009, Johnny embarked on the production of The Rum Diary, a movie version of a book written by his cherished friend and role model, Hunter S. Thompson, who was famously fond of guns and illicit substances, when he first started filming it.

Johnny achieved global fame primarily through his role in Pirates of the Caribbean, a Disney series that eventually grossed an impressive $4.5 billion at the box office. During this period, he was one of the world’s highest-paid actors, earning more than $50 million annually. Amber, on the other hand, had landed some minor roles, often portraying the ‘attractive female’ in various films.

She tried out for the role of Chenault, who was Johnny’s romantic interest in The Rum Diary, and she was quite eager to land the position, sending personalized letters by hand to the production team and director.

The moment Johnny encountered Amber in his workplace, a quick glance was all it took for him to think: “Indeed, this is the right one… She might even outwit me. That’s exactly what Hunter desires.

However, during his voyage on his $30 million yacht, Vajoliroja, en route to Puerto Rico for filming, an unforeseen predicament unfolded. Amber arrived accompanied by a partner and presented her to Bruce Robinson, the director known for Withnail And I, as ‘my spouse’.

In a state of anxiety over potential lack of chemistry between the co-stars, Bruce inquired anxiously: ‘Isn’t she lesbian?’ To which Johnny, lighting up a cigarette, reassured him, saying, ‘My female leads rarely remain that way for long.’

For 11 years, Johnny had been in a relationship with Vanessa Paradis, the mother of his kids. However, their bond was growing weaker due to Johnny’s increasing alcohol and substance abuse issues.

On the movie set, everyone from the director down to the production assistants witnessed in real life the growing affection between Johnny and Amber. An unforgettable scene from the movie shows them standing under a shower and sharing a passionate kiss while playing with each other’s hair. Later on, Johnny confessed: ‘That moment… seemed like something I shouldn’t have been feeling.’ Similarly, Amber confessed that it wasn’t like filming an ordinary scene – it felt genuine to her.

Following approximately 70 days, the filming concluded. Johnny embarked on a vacation aboard his yacht, accompanied by Vanessa and their children, Lily-Rose and Jack.

After going back to Los Angeles, Amber received another present from Johnny – it was a dress she had worn in one of their films, along with a note that said ‘Happy Packing’. This came on top of the bicycle, costly collectible books, and a guitar he’d previously given her as gifts.

Johnny’s growing problems with alcohol and financial difficulties were quickly leading to the end of his business collaboration with Vanessa.

Despite earning significant income from major film roles, he found himself deep in debt due to his extravagant lifestyle. His monthly wine expenses were an astounding sum of over $30,000, and he had almost spent $5 million just for launching Hunter S. Thompson’s ashes from a cannon.

In retrospect, the situation grew increasingly challenging. By 2016, I was shelling out an astounding $10,000 daily on security measures alone, and a staggering $300,000 monthly for my full-time staff, numerous of whom were managing the 14 properties I had accumulated across the globe. These acquisitions had set me back a significant sum, close to $75 million.

Back in June 2012, Johnny and Vanessa made a public announcement that they were parting ways. As shared by his close associate and British assistant, Stephen Deuters, Johnny carried a heavy burden of guilt due to the fact that their kids were still quite young.

Even though they’d never married, Johnny reportedly gave Vanessa $100 million.

In that very same month, he presented Amber with a Palomino horse valued at $6,500, which she affectionately christened Arrow. It was rumored that she frequently paid visits to Johnny while he filmed The Lone Ranger in the scenic landscapes of New Mexico.

On his 49th birthday, Amber presented him with a knife featuring a turquoise handle and an inscription that read ‘hasta la muerte’ (meaning ‘until death’). Tragically, less than a week afterward, Amber and her partner decided to part ways.

It surprised Bruce Witkin to see Johnny rushing into another romance so quickly. He believed Amber, being 23 years his junior, symbolized the glamorous, ambitious side of Hollywood that Johnny had typically avoided. He advised him to savor his single life and live it up like George Clooney does.

As a die-hard admirer, let me share some insights about the man I adore – our beloved Johnny. You might not know this, but he was never one to dabble in casual flings. Instead, he found himself deeply committed, often for prolonged periods. Before meeting Vanessa, his heart belonged to Kate Moss and Winona Ryder, two extraordinary women who left indelible marks on him. And here’s something truly remarkable: he’d been engaged four times! Now isn’t that a testament to the depth of his feelings?

Despite the fact that neither he nor Amber were exclusively dating in 2012, Amber was involved with French artist Marie de Villepin and was also being courted by Elon Musk, a billionaire. However, Johnny made a promise not to let someone like Amber get away from him. Every day in September 2012, he expressed his feelings for her through handwritten poems and delivered bouquets of roses to her as a gesture of affection.

Upon her trip to his Bahamian isle, she stumbled upon an unexpected delight: Johnny had constructed a lavish $3 million beach bar, modeled after the one featured in The Rum Diary movie.

It wasn’t hidden that both Johnny and Amber had a fondness for drugs. Over a weekend camping trip, friends found themselves sampling Amber’s unique wine, which contained MDMA as an added ingredient.

It was reported that Johnny confronted a female member of the group for supposedly getting too friendly with Amber, following which they both retreated to their trailer and had a heated dispute – an altercation that would later be referred to as one of 14 incidents of domestic violence mentioned in legal documents filed by Amber.

According to Amber, Johnny expressed his anger in an aggressive way by smashing a lamp and a display cabinet. Furthermore, she claimed that he tore her dress and conducted a humiliating search of her person, supposedly looking for drugs. However, Johnny refuted these accusations made by Amber.

Both individuals hail from challenging upbringings. Johnny characterizes his early years as ‘traumatized’, attributing this to an abusive mother. He tried her ‘sedative pills’ at the age of 11, began smoking at 12, and lost his virginity at 13.

In simpler terms, Amber’s parents had issues with drug abuse. Her father often resorted to harsh punishment, physically abusing both Amber and her sister Whitney. Back in 1982, there was a police report linking him to illegal dog-fighting activities. On the property owned by David Heard, who was allegedly in charge, were found tools used for cruelty towards animals, such as a poker that was suspected of being used for animal abuse.

Initially, Amber lived independently in her own apartment, but later found herself spending more time at Johnny’s imitation Bavarian chateau in West Hollywood.

As a devoted admirer, I found myself captivated by the grandeur of the historic mansion, featuring an underground conveyor belt for street deliveries and adorned with 125 stunning stained-glass windows and hand-painted wallpaper. Before moving in with Johnny, it was observed that I had invested a considerable sum, nearly $80,000, to revamp the house’s interior paint colors.

My dear friend revealed that throughout this period, she metamorphosed from a strong, independent woman during the day into a yielding, ethereal being at night.

On another occasion, Johnny tried to remove his shoes on his own, but Amber intervened, saying, “That’s not your task,” as she gracefully knelt down to take them off, followed by fixing her hair, applying makeup, and slipping into a flowing nightgown. She then poured him a glass of wine.

During the fall season of 2013, the pair temporarily resided at the luxurious Corinthia, a distinguished five-star hotel with panoramic views of the Thames in London. At that time, Amber was busy filming London Fields, a movie based on Martin Amis’ novel.

In an unexpected moment that left Amber amazed, Johnny dropped to one knee. “Will you be my girlfriend, forever?” he asked. “I vow to bring a smile to your face at least once a day, every day.” Overjoyed, Amber accepted his proposal: “I felt like the most fortunate woman in the world.

The following day, Nathan Holmes, Johnny’s aid, was taken aback to learn about Johnny’s engagement with Amber. He found it hard to comprehend since they had a major disagreement on the night of the proposal, yet Johnny still proposed. As Nathan reminisced, he said, “I remember thinking, ‘Why on earth did you do that?’

In a comparison, Nathan described Johnny and Amber as two powerful magnets that just wouldn’t come close: they seemed to push away from each other instead. As for Nathan, he ended up with stress-induced rashes, which he attributed directly to his troubled relationship with them.

In December, Johnny presented Amber with a five-carat diamond ring worth $100,000. It was in March 2014 when they decided to celebrate their engagement, an event that seemed to be Amber’s idea. The venue for this celebration was a 1920s villa located in Los Angeles. As they made their grand entrance with their arms around one another’s waists, they chose to ignore the cries and calls of the paparazzi.

Johnny donned a black suit and matching black-rimmed hat, whereas Amber radiated vintage Hollywood elegance in a blush pink silken camisole and black satin skirt. Like Veronica Lake, she wore her hair long.

Indoors, they struck poses alongside friends while exchanging greetings here and there. However, Johnny eventually vanished from sight. For much of the night, he could be found in an ‘exclusive room’ up above, mingling with personalities such as Marilyn Manson and the elusive artist Banksy. Meanwhile, Amber kept her friends engaged downstairs.

Johnny’s long-time friend and co-actor, Sam Sarkar, accompanied by his girlfriend, Kris, observed that Johnny seemed off – ill. She felt he ought to appear joyful as he had just gotten engaged to a lovely young woman.

1. Yet, he seemed like a hollow version of his former self. Sam felt a sense of unease growing. ‘The situation was becoming increasingly ominous.’ She insisted on setting the wedding date promptly.

2. However, he appeared as if a shadow of his true self. Sam experienced a gnawing apprehension. It seemed to be taking on a darker turn. She was adamant about having the wedding within a specific timeframe.

3. But he resembled a mere shell compared to his usual self. Sam had an uneasy sensation. The atmosphere grew more ominous. She was eager for the wedding to take place at a certain point in time.

4. Nevertheless, he looked like a ghost of himself. Sam felt a growing sense of apprehension. Things were starting to feel more ominous. She insisted on having the wedding happen within a specific timeframe.

5. In contrast, he seemed like a faded version of his normal self. Sam had an unsettling feeling creeping up on him. The situation was becoming increasingly darker. She wanted the wedding to take place at a certain point in time.

Over the next few months, there was uncertainty about Johnny and Amber’s relationship, leaving their close circle guessing whether they would actually get married.

On May 24th, 2014, they traveled from Boston to LA, where Johnny had been filming Black Mass – a movie that featured him as an American crime boss. During the flight on his private plane, Johnny drank excessively and passed out in the restroom. A recording made by Amber captured his groans.

The following day’s texts support the fact that a heated incident occurred on that flight. Amber claimed Johnny was envious of her collaborating with actor James Franco in the movie The Adderall Diaries. Johnny allegedly accused her of having an affair, and according to Amber, he struck her in the back causing her to fall over.

Later on, Johnny would testify that he had been drinking during the flight, but the “kick” Amber referred to was actually his attempt to tap her playfully on the bottom with his foot. This gesture was meant to be friendly and to try to lighten the mood by saying, in essence, ‘Hey, let’s move past this.’ He emphasized that there was no physical violence, and instead, he locked himself in the bathroom with a pillow and slept on the floor to keep away from her.

Johnny’s excessive consumption of alcohol and drugs became a significant concern for his representative, as it disrupted both his work schedule and his ability to remember his lines. Despite being the cornerstone of many people’s livelihoods, Johnny often arrived late on set, affecting the productivity of the entire industry around him. His earnings also seemed to be decreasing significantly compared to earlier periods.

The addiction expert, David Kipper, was consulted and diagnosed Johnny with multiple conditions such as ADHD, dopamine imbalance, bipolar disorder, and secondary depression. However, since Johnny had recently begun filming, a complete detox would have to be postponed for the time being. In the interim, he would continue taking his usual medications – Roxicodone, a highly addictive opioid painkiller, and Klonopin, a sedative.

As a lifestyle expert, I’d put it this way: “Johnny, I find myself compelled to flee from the very shadow that tainted our beautiful bond, the one that left me powerless and helpless as I watched our love crumble before my eyes.

In just a few days, their feelings for each other had blossomed once more. Following the completion of Black Mass, Johnny embarked on a comprehensive detoxification program in the Bahamas. With apprehension about quitting drugs and alcohol, he was supported by Amber and his caregiver, Debbie Lloyd, throughout the process.

Based on Johnny’s subsequent court statements, it was reported that while he was under Debbie’s care, Amber would interfere. He asserted that she had denied him medication when he was close to having a seizure, which he considered one of the most cruel actions she had ever taken.

In Amber’s account, she helped Johnny through his struggle with addiction and eventually, he expressed gratitude for getting him sober. This appears to be corroborated by a text Johnny sent to Amber’s mother, Paige: “There is no luckier man on this earth than me, given the strength that Amber provides. I won’t burden you with the details of my past struggles, as you are well aware [since both have faced substance abuse]. However, what you should understand is that your daughter has surpassed the challenging task of caring for this troubled addict. Not a moment goes by without her keeping an eye on me to ensure I’m alright.” He ended the message with “Your son out-law.

In September 2014, barely a month had passed since completing his detox when Johnny began filming “Alice Through The Looking Glass” in London. Nurse Debbie, who accompanied him, recorded in her log that Johnny and Amber had a heated argument, which escalated into a distressing incident. Johnny asked for some strong sedatives from her, specifically prescription Neurontin and Seroquel. She noted his knuckles were bleeding, to which he admitted punching a kitchen whiteboard following their dispute.

During the upcoming month, while he remained in London, he captured scenes for the comedy titled Mortdecai, portraying an unconventional art dealer character. Notably, Debbie observed that following a day of filming, Johnny displayed unusually high agitation and even forcefully entered his trailer and refused to communicate with the director. Additionally, he exhibited verbally aggressive behavior towards a crew member without any discernible provocation.

It’s challenging to keep tabs on the stretches when Johnny was truly abstaining from alcohol, and it’s ambiguous as to what being sober represented for him. Upon his return to Los Angeles, Bruce Witkin encountered Johnny at his downtown high-rise residence.

Bruce remembered that Johnny was using marijuana. He said, “Are you really sober if you’re smoking pot? Or if you’re drinking alcohol? That’s not being sober.

In November, Debbie characterized Johnny as intensely engaged in dealing with his relationship problems and wary of Amber. “He suspects she isn’t honest with him and is uncertain about the best way to address this when she gets back home.

At that moment, Amber was in Georgia shooting Magic Mike XXL. She didn’t return from the wrap party until 5 am, which caused significant concern for Johnny, as suggested by his texts to Debbie. “The deception has become so obvious… It’s driving me CRAZY, wondering WHAT COULD POSSIBLY BE SO ENGAGING TO KEEP HER THERE FOR SUCH A LONG TIME?!” He ended his message with: “I need help…?! I can’t tell what’s genuine and what is excessive jealousy!!!

In the meantime, Dr. Kipper suggested Amber consult a psychiatrist to handle her anxiety. An exchange of emails between physicians revealed that arguments in their relationship were intensified when Johnny proposed that Amber should sign a prenuptial agreement.

In January 2015, Kipper recounted a turbulent flight to Japan, where the couple had a heated argument. This confrontation was marked by thrown coffee, his attempts to enter the cockpit, and her efforts to exit the plane while they were over the open sea.

If they got married without a prenuptial agreement, Amber would have a right to half of Johnny’s earnings from that point forward. It was suspected by Johnny’s friends that she intended to marry him before he started filming the next Pirates of the Caribbean movie. Eventually, Johnny agreed to sign a prenup, but later dropped it and announced that they were getting married regardless.

In retrospect, Amber would claim that prior to their wedding, Johnny had previously struck her on the face multiple times, causing blood to spatter from her mouth onto the wall once; pushed her several times, one instance being onto a glass table; kicked her in the back; yanked her by the hair; inflicted a bleeding nose upon her; and sexually abused her.

As she describes it, they found themselves trapped in a toxic pattern. He struggled with uncontrollable addiction and harbored intense jealousy towards other individuals, frequently accusing her of infidelity. When his anger flared up, he’d become violent, but afterwards he’d become remorseful, professing his love to her repeatedly. However, he claims he never struck her and insists that she was the one instigating the violence.

The initial, lawful wedding ceremony of the couple transpired as a swiftly organized event at Johnny’s mother’s residence in Los Angeles. Upon their arrival, Malcolm, Johnny’s Scottish protector, pulled him aside for a private conversation. “Are you truly ready to go through with this?” Malcolm inquired. “No, not really,” Johnny responded.

Johnny sported a telling expression. “Hop back into the vehicle,” Malcolm commanded. “Let’s head to Las Vegas, and we’ll discuss matters there. Once we’ve confronted the situation, we’ll deal with it. Jump in the car.” However, Johnny refused to comply.

‘No. No, I can’t. I wouldn’t do that.’ And with that, they turned and walked inside.

The ceremony was conducted by Maria Kharlash, proprietor of Instant Marriage LA, and featured a speech from singer Patti Smith. As Amber repeated her vows, gazing into Johnny’s eyes, his mother whispered something poignant. In a low but clear voice, Betty Sue said, “She doesn’t love him,” with obvious disapproval, making sure everyone in the small room, including Amber, heard her harsh words.

Four days later, the guests started gathering on Johnny’s private island.

Stephen, the assistant, mentioned that approximately 90% of the attendees were Amber’s friends and relatives. He proposed inviting Tim Burton and Helena Bonham Carter, or other close acquaintances apart from Bruce Witkin, to Johnny, but Johnny seemed uncomfortable and declined, stating he didn’t wish to extend any invitations. Stephen commented that it was evident whose event it was, as it lacked any sense of shared ownership whatsoever.

Following the ceremony, the celebration took place in a replica of the cantina from The Rum Diary, embodying a casual dive-bar aesthetic, adorned with seaside trinkets and illuminated by neon lights. For their first dance, Johnny and Amber chose “When I Get My Hands On You,” a touching ballad penned by Bob Dylan. They stood close together, gazing deeply into each other’s eyes. At the end of the dance, Amber playfully mimicked punching Johnny, grinning.

That evening, as Amber sat beside Gina Deuters, the wife of Johnny’s aide Stephen, she whispered to her, “Is it ever that you and Stephen have disagreements?

On the very night of Amber’s wedding, when Gina came across a puzzling and worrying query, she responded with a casual yet clear denial: “Well, not exactly.

Amber grabbed Gina’s arm in emphasis. ‘No. No. Gina. I mean, like… really fight?’

This book, titled “Hollywood Vampires,” is authored by Kelly Loudenberg and Makiko Wholey, and it will be available for purchase starting from July 31, 2025. The publication rights belong to Mudlark. © Kelly Loudenberg and Makiko Wholey 2025.

“Hollywood Vampires,” a book written by Kelly Loudenberg and Makiko Wholey, will hit the shelves on July 31, 2025, courtesy of Mudlark. The copyright for this work belongs to both authors in 2025.

If you want to purchase a copy for £22.50 (offer available until August 25, 2025; free shipping within the UK on orders exceeding £25), visit mailshop.co.uk/books or dial 020 3176 2937.

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2025-07-19 01:52

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