Johnny Depp has reportedly launched a defamation action, seeking $50 million damages, from his ex-wife Amber Heard, claiming her accusations that he was abusive were an "elaborate hoax" according to reports.

A representative for Heard immediately responded to the latest twist in the saga, telling People magazine the defamation action amounted to "groundless and vile harassment" of the actress.

Depp's defamation claim is reported to be related to an article Heard wrote for the Washington Post in December titled: “I spoke up against sexual violence - and faced our culture’s wrath. That has to change."

She did not name Depp in the article but his lawyers claimed the piece "depends on the central premise that Ms Heard was a domestic abuse victim, and that Mr Depp perpetrated domestic violence against her," according to legal documents seen by People magazine.

Heard and Depp's messy divorce was finalised in January 2017 and the actress alleged that he had been physically abusive towards her during their relationship. Depp denied the claims.