Hollywood actress Winona Ryder has stated that her former flame, Johnny Depp, was never abusive towards her during their relationship.

Depp's estranged wife, Amber Heard, has accused the actor of domestic violence, and has posted pictures of what appear to be bruises on her face. The 30-year-old said Depp had a "history of drug and alcohol abuse" and had been "verbally and physically abusive" during their four-year-relationship.

In contrast to these accusations, Ryder told US news magazine that the Fear and Loathing star was a "very protective."

"I can only speak from my own experience, which was wildly different than what is being said," she reflected.

"He was never, never that way towards me. Never abusive at all towards me. I only know him as a really good, loving, caring guy who is very, very protective of the people that he loves."

Speaking about the allegations made by Heard, Winona was careful and diplomatic in choosing her words. "I'm not calling anyone a liar," she insisted. "I'm just saying, it's difficult and upsetting for me to wrap my head around it. Look, it was a long time ago, but we were together for four years, and it was a big relationship for me.

"Imagine if someone you dated when you were - I was 17 when I met him - was accused of that. It's just shocking.

"Look, I mean, obviously I can only speak from my own experience. It’s very tricky because if it were any other type of scandal, like cheating, you could be like, ‘None of my business. No comment. Not appropriate for me'. But I think because what is being said is so horrific and such a global issue for millions of women, obviously, that I understand why people feel it is their business."