There is a dispute between Amber Heard and Johnny Depp over their $7m divorce deal and the tax implications of the actor's decision to donate the settlement directly to the two charities chosen by his ex-wife.
Last week, Heard announced that she was donating the $7m to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), to help its work in stopping violence against women; and the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, where Heard has volunteered for a decade. The money is to be divided equally.
On Thursday, Depp's representative said the Pirates of the Caribbean star had given the first of multiple instalments directly to the two organisations and that when completed the donations "will honour the full amount of Ms Heard's pledge".
However, Heard's legal team has argued that by personally giving the money to the charities Depp is not honouring the deal. They say he can qualify for tax relief on charitable donations at a rate of 50% and therefore the figure donated should be $14m.
"Amber Heard appreciates Johnny Depp's novel interest in supporting two of her favourite charities, the ACLU for domestic violence and the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles," the actress' lawyers said in a statement. "This is great and unexpected news.
"However, if Johnny wishes to change the settlement agreement, we must insist that he honour the full amount by donating $14m to charity, which, after accounting for his tax deduction, is equal to his $7m payment obligation to Amber. We would also insist that the full amount be paid immediately and not drawn out over many years."
The divorce settlement agreed last week saw Heard withdraw her request for a restraining order against 53-year-old Depp, whom she married in February 2015. The 30-year-old filed for divorce three months ago.
"As described in the restraining order and divorce settlement, money played no role for me personally and never has, except to the extent that I could donate it to charity and, in doing so, hopefully help those less able to defend themselves," she said in a statement.
"As reported in the media, the amount received in the divorce was $7m and $7m is being donated," she continued. "This is over and above any funds that I have given away in the past and will continue to give away in the future."
Heard concluded by saying she looked forward to continuing her support for both the ACLU and Children's Hospital.
"Hopefully, this experience results in a positive change in the lives of people who need it the most," she said.
Earlier that week, Heard and Depp released a joint statement which read: "Our relationship was intensely passionate and at times volatile, but always bound by love...
"There was never an intent of physical or emotional harm."
The statement said neither party had "made false accusations for financial gains".
