Amber Heard Avoids Jail Time in Australian Dog-Smuggling Case, Releases Bizarre Video With Johnny Depp
The “war on terrier” is officially over! Amber Heard avoided jail time Monday by pleading guilty in an Australian court to illegally bringing two dogs, Yorkshire terriers named Pistol and Boo, to the country a year ago. In exchange, the actress and her hubby, Johnny Depp, whom Heard was traveling down under to visit, appeared in a very bizarre video for the Aussie government in which they apologized for their mistake.
In Southport Magistrates Court in Queensland, Heard’s lawyer argued that the starlet was sleep-deprived and exhausted and thought Depp’s staff had handled the necessary paperwork for her. However, Heard, 29, still entered a guilty plea to providing false information on her incoming passenger card on April 21, 2015. Prosecutors dropped more serious charges claiming she had illegally imported the dogs, which could have landed her in jail for two years and cost her a fine of about $15,000. (Considering she’s flying around the world on private jets, $15,000 probably wasn’t a huge concern.)
While it was no surprise that The Danish Girl actress resolved her legal issues, the video — featuring Depp and Heard — that was released by the government soon after quickly went viral because it was just so darn weird. In it, the pair awkwardly apologize for their headline-making run-in with government officials, but Depp’s stiff demeanor and clipped cadence make it feel more like a hostage video than a PSA.
Amber Heard and Johnny Depp arrive at court. (Photo: Getty Images)
“Australia is a wonderful island with a treasure trove of unique plants, animals, and people,” the blond actress begins.
“It has to be protected,” the unimpressed Depp adds.
“Australia is free of many pests and diseases that are commonplace around the world. That is why Australia has to have such strong biosecurity laws,” Heard explains.
Then it’s Depp’s turn again: “And Australians are just as unique, both warm and direct. When you disrespect Australian law, they will tell you firmly.”
Heard adds that she is “truly sorry that Pistol and Boo were not declared” and notes that “protecting Australia is important.”
Depp, who looks irritated, ends the message: “Declare everything when you enter Australia. Thanks.” The tone of his “thanks” makes us wonder if he’s actually saying something else, but as long as Pistol and Boo are safe, does subtext really matter?
Depp was in Australia filming the fifth installment of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise when the couple ran into trouble. Arriving via private jet, as one does when married to one of the most famous actors in the world, Heard failed to declare the pups. Authorities became aware of their presence after an enthusiastic groomer posted their mugs on Instagram a few weeks later, and they jumped to take action. In fact, Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce told Depp through the press that unless the dogs left the country within 72 hours, they would be euthanized — and instantly made himself into a real-life Disney villain. Soon, a petition was circulating online to save Depp’s suddenly famous dogs, while press camped out in front of Depp and Heard’s temporary abode, hoping to get a glimpse of Pistol and Boo.
On Monday, Joyce seemed happy with Depp and Heard’s video apology. He shared it on his Facebook page, writing, “Depp and Heard make a public statement highlighting the importance of biosecurity in Australia. The consequences of a disease outbreak could have been terrifying. We can’t take the risk.”
All’s well that ends well — and now we have this amazing new performance by Johnny Depp to enjoy over and over.
