Amber Heard's ex-partner defends her amid domestic violence allegations against Johnny Depp

'It's disheartening that Amber's integrity and story are being questioned yet again,' says Tasya van Ree

Heard and van Ree in 2011 (Getty)

Amber Heard’s ex-girlfriend Tasya van Ree has defended the actress against reports of a 2009 incident where Heard was accused of assaulting van Ree, saying the pair were subject to “misogynistic” and “homophobic“ attitudes.

Earlier this week, TMZ reported that in 2009 Heard was arrested for “misdemeanor domestic violence” after an incident with van Ree, who Heard dated for five years, at Seattle-Tacoma International airport. The gossip website reported that prosecutors decided not to file charges against the 30-year-old.

Photographer van Ree has now responded to the reports, claiming Heard was “wrongfully accused” of the crime and said in statement the accusation was a result of misogynistic and homophobic attitudes towards the couple.

“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.”

Van Ree continued to defend Heard and said the couple has maintained a close relationship since ending their relationship in 2012.

“It’s disheartening that Amber’s integrity and story are being questioned yet again,” she said. “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.”

Reports of the incident come amid Heard’s divorce with actor Johnny Depp, who she filed for divorce from on 23 May after 15 months of marriage. Their divorce has continued to make headlines after Heard was granted a temporary restraining order against Depp who she accuses of domestic violence. She appeared in court on 27 May with a visible bruise on her face and in court documents claimed: “During the entirety of our relationship, Johnny has been verbally and physically abusive to me.”

Depp has not responded publicly to the allegations but in court documents his lawyer, Laura Wasser, claimed the accusations came in response to negative media coverage Heard received since the couple announced their divorce and alleged: “Amber is attempting to secure a premature financial resolution by alleging abuse.”

The Independent has approached representatives for Depp for comment.