Amber Heard's ex speaks out about alleged assault

Actress Amber Heard was charged for "assaulting" Tasya Van Ree. Photo / Getty Images

Amber Heard's former partner insists the actress never assaulted her.

In 2009 Amber, 30, was arrested at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport when she allegedly grabbed and struck her then partner Tasya van Ree's arm but the artist/photographer has defended Amber after news of the incident was made public recently.

She said in a statement: "In 2009, Amber was wrongfully accused for an incident that was misinterpreted and over-sensationalised by two individuals in a power position. I recount hints of misogynistic attitudes toward us which later appeared to be homophobic when they found out we were domestic partners and not just 'friends'.

"Charges were quickly dropped and she was released moments later. It's disheartening that Amber's integrity and story are being questioned yet again. Amber is a brilliant, honest and beautiful woman and I have the utmost respect for her. We shared five wonderful years together and remain close to this day."

Amber recently filed for divorce from Johnny Depp, 52, after 15 months of marriage and has alleged that he assaulted her numerous times during their marriage.

And her close friend claims Johnny left the actress with a "busted lip and clumps of hair on the floor" after one "all-out assault".

iO Tillett Wright, who called the police after Johnny allegedly attacked Amber last month, wrote an essay detailing the alleged abuse and claiming that it was an ongoing issue in their marriage.

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I'm so proud of my baby girl @lilyrose_depp. She decided she wanted to be in @selfevidentproject because she falls somewhere on the vast spectrum, and I couldn't be happier to welcome her to the family. She's a tiny gem of a good human. #prouduncle #weareyou

A post shared by iO Tillett Wright (@iolovesyou) on Aug 22, 2015 at 2:46pm PDT

In a post for

Refinery

29, she wrote: "The reports of violence started with a kick on a private plane, then it was shoves and the occasional punch, until finally, in December, she described an all-out assault and she woke up with her pillow covered in blood. I know this because I went to their house.

"I saw the pillow with my own eyes. I saw the busted lip and the clumps of hair on the floor. I got the phone call immediately after it happened, her screaming and crying, a stoic woman reduced to sobs."

Amber has filed for divorce and was granted a temporary restraining order against her estranged husband last month. Johnny has denied the allegations of abuse.

- Bang! Showbiz