Amber Heard (R) and Tasya van Ree on May 19, 2011; Jason LaVeris/FilmMagicEarlier this week, reports claimed Amber Heard, who’s accused her estranged husband Johnny Depp of abuse, was arrested in 2009 for domestic violence in an incident involving Heard’s then-girlfriend, Tasya van Ree. But now, van Ree says those reports were exaggerated.
On Wednesday, van Ree issued a statement obtained by ABC News in which she claims the 2009 incident was “misinterpreted” and “over-sensationalized” because it involved two female partners.
“In 2009, Amber was wrongfully accused for an incident that was misinterpreted and over-sensationalized by two individuals in a power position,” says van Ree in the statement. She suggested the response at the time was “homophobic” and “misogynistic,” claiming they were treated differently after those “individuals” learned they were domestic partners, and not simply friends.
“Charges were quickly dropped and she was released moments later,” the statement continues. “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.”
People magazine reported the actress was arrested in 2009 after she allegedly grabbed and struck the arm of van Ree at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. She was booked for misdemeanor domestic violence, but prosecutors declined to file charges.
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