Johnny Depp's ex Vanessa Paradis pens handwritten letter defending actor after abuse claims by Amber Heard

Johnny Depp's former partner has spoken out in defense of the star after he was accused of assaulting wife Amber Heard.

Vanessa Paradis, who was in a relationship with the Pirates of the Caribbean for 14 years, described the father of her two children as "sensitive and loving".

The Danish Girl actress Amber was granted a temporary restraining order against her estranged husband on Friday amid allegations he hit her in the face with an iPhone - claims he denies.

 A handwritten letter, published by TMZ and dated May 27, reads: "Johnny Depp is the father of my two children, he 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."

Vanessa shares children Lily Rose, 17 and Jack, 14, with Johnny.

Her note comes after Lori Anne Allison, who was married to Johnny for two years back in the 80s, also claimed her ex-husband isn't capable of hitting a woman.

Lori has claimed that Johnny is a "soft person" who even loves his pets like he would love a child.

The former couple are thought to still be friends, and they apparently spoke last week following the death of his mother.

Amber, who filed for divorce last week, claims Johnny shattered a wine bottle that he wielded “like a baseball bat” during a row.

He was allegedly "inebriated" and "high" when he is said to have turned on the 30-year-old in the home they have shared for two years.

Following Amber's claims, representatives for Johnny said in a statement: "Given the brevity of this marriage and the most recent and tragic loss of his mother, Johnny will not respond to any of the salacious false stories, gossip, misinformation and lies about his personal life.

The statement added: "Hopefully the dissolution of this short marriage will be resolved quickly."

His lawyer Laura Wasser said in a statement: "Amber is attempting to secure a premature financial resolution by alleging abuse.

"Amber is a successful model and actress who earns her own income and is capable of supporting herself. Amber’s anger certainly cannot drive this dissolution proceeding."