Tasya van Ree speaks out in defence of Amber Heard following domestic abuse allegations
Photographer says the couple were victim of 'misogynistic attitudes and homophobia'
TASYA van Ree, the ex-domestic partner of Johnny Depp’s estranged wife Amber Heard, has fought back at those who have accused her of domestic abuse.
The 40-year-old photographer, who was ‘married’ The Danish Girl star for five years, claims that Amber’s 2009 arrest for striking her in an airport was “misinterpreted and over-sensationalised”.
In a statement, Tasya wrote: “In 2009, Amber was wrongfully accused for an incident that was misinterpreted and over-sensationalized 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.”
Tasya also goes on to defend her ex, and said: “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 5 wonderful years together and remain close to this day.”
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The statement comes after US site TMZ released police information of Amber’s arrest and audio allegedly from the court during her hearing yesterday.
In the audio, Amber is referred to as Amber van Ree after taking her partner’s last name, and is accused of ‘misdemeanour domestic violence’.
She was said to have grabbed and struck her ex in the arm at Seattle-Tacoma international airport.
During the hearing, the judge tells Amber that she was not off the hook and that prosecutors could reconsider and refile the case within the two-year statute of limitations, but this never occurred.
Despite the incident, the pair remained together until 2012, when Amber met and later married Pirates of the Caribbean star Johnny Depp, 52.
Amber filed for divorce from Johnny on 23 May, citing ‘irreconcilable differences’ as the reason for their split.
However she later made allegations of him being violent towards her throughout their 15 month marriage, including him throwing an iPhone at her face.
She was granted a temporary restraining order after she said in court documents: "I live in fear that Johnny will return to the residence unannounced to terrorise me, physically and emotionally."
The pair were last seen together as a couple in the now infamous ‘war on terriers’ apology video to the Australian government back in April.
While Amber has maintained a low-profile since the split became public, Johnny has begun a European tour with his band Hollywood Vampires.
The couple had no pre-nuptial agreement in place and Amber is said to be seeking spousal support.