Johnny Depp is allegedly very protective of his new relationship with his girlfriend Joelle.

A source told Us Weekly that the couple tried their best to keep their relationship a secret from the public. So, in order for fans not to suspect, Depp and Joelle secretly met up in hotels.

“Johnny and Joelle went to great lengths to keep their romance quiet. Obviously, Joelle has some private stuff going on, which she’s wrapping up. Johnny respects that and has been extremely cautious,” the source said.

The source also claimed that Depp wasn’t necessarily looking for love when he met Joelle. In fact, he vowed to stay single following the traumatic end of his relationship with his ex-wife, Amber Heard.

“After what happened with Amber, it seemed like Johnny was going to take an extended – if not an indefinite – break from dating. He and Joelle got to know each other as friends first and then things fell into place naturally,” the source said.

The Pirates of the Caribbean actor allegedly adores his girlfriend and has so much respect for her and everything that she has achieved in her career.

However, the source insisted that Depp and Joelle are not necessarily dating each other officially yet. The two are just getting to know each other and will see where things lead.

“Johnny is smitten and wants to move at a pace that’s steady, fun, and without any pressure. Joelle’s more than happy to go with the flow and doesn’t get jealous or needy. It’s one of the things he really digs about her. She’s very confident as opposed to high maintenance,” the source said.

For now, the two is allegedly taking things slow. And they are not pressuring each other to settle down or define the status of their relationship.

However, one should take the tabloid’s claims with a grain of salt. As of late, Depp and Joelle have not opened up about the real status of their relationship. So, no one knows for sure whether the two are dating or just hanging out.

The rumored couple has not also been photographed engaging in PDA with each other. And they have not been seen in public after Depp’s defamation trial wrapped up. So, it’s unclear where the dating rumors came from in the first place.