Why Amber Heard made decision to change name and leave US to move countries with her daughter

Actress Amber Heard has left her life in the United States behind, choosing to relocate to Madrid, and is using a different name whilst there.

Heard, 38, was previously married to Johnny Depp, 61, between the years 2015-2017.

Their marriage came to a tumultuous end with Heard alleging that Depp had been physically and sexually abusive towards her during their union.

After writing an op-ed for The Washington Post, entitled 'I spoke up against sexual violence — and faced our culture's wrath. That has to change', Heard was sued by her former husband Depp for defamation.

Depp was not explicitly named in the piece.

The high-profile case was televised in 2022 and saw Depp win the case.

Following the fallout of the trial, Heard has relocated to Madrid from the US.

Amber Heard has relocated to Madrid (Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)

She moved to the Spanish city with her three-year-old daughter, Oonagh Paige, who she had via a surrogate in 2021.

Local news source El Diario de Mallorca reported that Heard, who lived in Mallorca before settling in Madrid, has also since taken on the name of Martha Jane Cannary - the real name of gunslinger 'Calamity Jane'.

PEOPLE reported that 'after living in the desert town of Yucca Valley, California, Heard sold her home for $1.1 million and moved to Europe with her daughter', adding that an inside source revealed the move was made as Heard felt there was 'too much chaos' in America.

They also said that Heard 'lost the case and was treated as such,' and that 'she felt like a pariah.'

Heard and Depp were married between 2015-2017 (Mike Lawrie/WireImage)

A second source told the outlet in 2022 that Heard "is able to just be a mom there. She is focused on raising her daughter. She spends every day with her girl. They stroll around, visit parks and enjoy family time. Amber is a great mom."

A third added: "[Heard] is excited about working and filming again. She was exhausted and disappointed about the trial. She felt she was mistreated.

"This is all behind her now, though. She has new energy and is focused on things that she loves."

Hola! reported yesterday (23 September) that Heard was asked about how she felt regarding her ex Depp being in Spain to premiere his new film, Modi, at the San Sebastian Film Festival.

Heard responded: "I'm living here in Madrid, I love Spain. I'm very lucky to be here, and regarding my past, I don't feel like thinking or talking about it, because I'm happy and in peace."