Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis Have Really Split

June 20, 2012 by Philippa Mingins
Published in Marriage

It looked set to become the longest running “are they, aren”t they’ saga ever. One week we were told Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis had split. The next week we were told it was all a fabrication by the media. But as they say, the truth will out, and we have finally been told that indeed the Hollywood couple have parted ways. So sad.

So finally we have the confirmation Johnny Depp has split from his partner Vanessa Paradis.

For months now we have had reports in the media that their 14-year relationship was over, and then the following week the papers were filled with denials of any separation.

Now we are to believe that it is officially all over and the couple, who have two children, have ‘amicably separated’.

To further complicate the situation however, it is rumoured that Depp has taken up with young actress Amber Heard, who he recently starred alongside in The Rum Diaries.

No wonder there was no sign of Vanessa at the première. In fact Depp and Vanessa have not been seen together at public occasions for two years.

Johnny Depp has never been one to tow the line and follow convention and yet if we believe this rumour, it looks like he has fallen for the biggest cliché in the book, leaving his life partner for a woman half his age. Depp is 49 and Amanda Heard is 26.

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It is a terrible shame for Depp and Paradis, whether another woman is involved or not.

They were altogether a couple to admire. They purposely removed themselves from the glitz of celeb life, spending most of their time closeted away in Vanessa’s native France.

They never touted their relationship and were shy and demure together on the red carpet. They didn’t like to talk about their relationship and when they did, their feelings of warmth and admiration for each other seemed genuine.

They were refreshing in contrast to the likes of the Beckhams who have made their marriage a brand. Perhaps in refusing to ever marry they were refusing to go down the road of becoming the ‘Depps’. I generally advocate marriage as highly-important for a couple with children, but I was prepared to make an exception due to Depp’s insistence that their children cemented them more than a marriage ever could.

The fact they refused to admit publicly their relationship was over for so long indicates they were trying to resolve their problems. They didn’t want to embrace the inevitable whirlwind of publicity which would have ensued a dramatic break-up announcement like many other couples.

On a human level, it is a terrible shame for both of them that their relationship is over and also a tragedy for their children. Luckily the youngsters seem well-loved and should continue to be so by both parents.

And let’s face it, if Depp hasn’t taken up with Amanda Heard, he isn’t going to be short of other offers. Neither is Vanessa for that matter.