Amber Heard declared a ‘hero’ by legal team as she speaks about surviving ‘years of abuse’ at the hands of ‘malicious’ Johnny Depp
She says Johnny's 'vicious' behaviour has forced her to break her silence
AMBER Heard has remained silent over shocking allegations that her husband, Johnny Depp, assaulted her - until now.
His estranged wife has issued a statement to the police documenting the "years of abuse" she allegedly suffered at the hands of the superstar.
She previously insisted she didn't want to make a statement to the LAPD "in an attempt to protect her privacy and Johnny's career," but has since changed her mind.
The Magic Mike XXL actress has opted to speak out against her famous spouse "as she cannot continue to leave herself open to the vicious, false, and malicious allegations."
Lawyers representing the 30-year-old have said that she's been "forced" to make a statement as a result of the way the Black Mass actor has behaved.
Samantha F. Spector and co-counsel Joseph P. Koenig said: "As the result of Amber’s decision to decline giving an initial statement to the LAPD, her silence has been used against her by Johnny’s team.
"Amber did not provide a statement to the LAPD in an attempt to protect her privacy and Johnny’s career.
"Johnny’s team has forced Amber to give a statement to the LAPD to set the record straight as to the true facts, as she cannot continue to leave herself open to the vicious false and malicious allegations that have infected the media.
"Amber has suffered through years of physical and psychological abuse at the hands of Johnny."
Amber's legal team went on to claim they always "took the high road" and says the Texan - who filed for divorce from Johnny earlier this week - is not motivated by money.
They continued: "We took the high road. Unfortunately, Johnny’s team immediately went to the press and began viciously attacking Amber’s character.
"Amber is simply a victim of domestic violence, and none of her actions are motivated by money.
"Amber is a brave and financially independent woman who is showing the courage of her convictions by doing the right thing against Johnny’s relentless army of lawyers and surrogates.
"The Family Law Court is not going to be influenced by misinformation placed in the social media based on anonymous sources. Amber is the victim. Amber is a hero."
related stories
Amber claims her husband of just over a year shattered a wine bottle that he used "like a baseball bat" during a heated argument, and that he threw an iPhone at her.
A photo submitted to a Los Angeles court shows her with bruising around her eye, and in a written declaration she says she'd "endured excessive emotional, verbal and physical abuse" during their short marriage.
However, police say the actress showed no evidence of injuries when police arrived at her home after the alleged incident, whilst Johnny vehemently denies any wrong doing.
The daughter of the Pirates Of The Caribbean star, Lily Rose Depp, is also convinced of her father's innocence.
The 17-year-old posted a revealing Instagram snap - a screenshot of an article from PEOPLE which showed that LAPD officers called to the scene of the alleged assault could find no proof that a crime had occurred.
Vanessa Paradis - Lily Rose's mother and Johnny's partner of 14 years - has also spoken up to defend her ex.
A handwritten letter reads: "Jonny Depp is the father of my two children, his is a sensitive, loving and loved person, and I believe with all my heart that these recent allegations being made are outrageous.
"In all the years I have known Johnny, he has never been physically abusive with with me and this looks nothing like the man I lived with for 14 wonderful years. Sincerely, Vanessa Paradis."
Johnny is currently in Stockholm, Sweden where he is filming his new movie The Hollywood Vampires and is said to holed up in his £8,000 suite at the Grand Hotel “keeping himself to himself”.