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Why Amber Heard hasn't donated her divorce money to charity yet

Sharnaz Shahid
Deputy Online Editor
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Amber Heard was expected to donate her £5million ($7 million) divorce settlement from ex-husband Johnny Depp to charity - however, it was recently revealed that two of the chosen charities hadn't received the payment. On Monday, the actress' lawyer Pierce O'Donnell released a statement to explain why the payment has not been made, revealing the divorce papers are yet to be signed.

In a statement, shared on TMZ this week, Pierce said: "The settlement documents are being finalised and will be signed this week. Johnny is obligated by the settlement to pay Amber, and she in turn will honour her pledges to Children's Hospital and the American Civil Liberties Union."

He continued: "Amber's commitment to protecting victims of domestic violence and helping sick children is her life's work. Her recent PSA on domestic violence does not violate her settlement agreement with Johnny. She will continue to lend her voice to the rising chorus of women speaking out about this terrible scourge on the American family."

amber 2z© Photo: Getty Images

Amber Heard settled her divorce with Johnny Depp in August

In August it was announced that Amber would split the money between two charities as soon as she secured her divorce settlement - with half of it going to the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles and the other half to the American Civil Liberties Union, which works to prevent violence against women. Amber settled her divorce with Johnny Depp in August, the couple announced their separation in May after one year of marriage. At the time, the 30-year-old actress alleged that the actor was 'verbally and physically abusive' throughout their relationship - Johnny, 53, has always denied the allegations.

amber© Photo: Getty Images

The actress is expected to donate her £5million ($7 million) divorce settlement to charity

Last week, Amber opened up about domestic violence in an emotional public service announcement for the GirlGaze Project. Speaking about the reality of being a "victim", she said: "How is this happening to me? I'm strong, smart, I'm not a victim… I guess there was a lot of shame attached to that, the label of victim. It happens to so many women you know. When it happens in your home behind closed doors with someone you love, it's not straightforward. If a stranger did this it would be a no-brainer."

In the video, which was released to mark International Day for the Elimination of Violence Towards Women, she continued to thank her friends and speak about how she wants to use her fame to raise awareness about the issue. "If I hadn't had them around me, how different my life would be," she admitted. "Just as a woman having gone through this in the public stage, in the public arena that I did it, I have a unique opportunity to remind other women this doesn't have to be the way it is, you don't have to do it alone, you're not alone. We can change this."