Lily-Rose Depp: 'Johnny Depp is a sweet, loving father'

Johnny Depp's daughter Lily-Rose is defending her "loving father" amid allegations of domestic violence from his estranged wife Amber Heard.

The Pirates of the Caribbean actor's wife of 15-months filed for divorce on 23 May (16), and on Friday (27May16), she requested a domestic violence restraining order against the 52-year-old.

A photo of 30-year-old Amber sporting what appears to be a bruise on her right eye was submitted as evidence along with her request, after she claimed Johnny threw his iPhone at her last weekend (21-22May16) during a fight.

Many of Johnny's famous friends, including Mickey Rourke and Paul Bettany, have come to his defense and now his model daughter has spoken out in support of her "sweet" father.

"My dad is the sweetest most loving person I know, he's been nothing but a wonderful father to my little brother and I, and everyone who knows him would say the same," the 17-year-old writes on Instagram.com, alongside a photo of herself as a baby, with Johnny holding her hands while she walks.

Lily-Rose is not the only family member to stand up for the movie star - her mother, French singer/actress Vanessa Paradis, who was with Johnny for 14 years until 2012, has reportedly strongly refuted Amber's abuse allegations in a letter obtained by TMZ.com.

"To whom it may concern," she wrote. "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 me and this looks nothing like the man I lived with for 14 wonderful years. Sincerely, Vanessa Paradis."

Johnny's first wife, Lori Anne Allison, also jumped to the actor's defense on Saturday (28May16). Lori Anne, who married the actor in 1983, insisted he was never physical with her and never even screamed or shouted.

She told friends that the star, who she split from in 1985, isn't capable of hitting women, and she doesn't believe Amber's abuse allegations, TMZ.com reports.

Lori Anne added that Johnny is a "soft person", who loves his pets like he would love a child. The former couple is thought to have spoken recently following the death of Johnny's mother, 81-year-old Betty Sue Palmer, on 20 May (16), following a long illness.