Winona Ryder speaks out on relationship with Johnny Depp: ‘Never abusive at all towards me’

Winona Ryder says she isn’t sure how to process the allegations of domestic abuse being directed at former longtime beau Johnny Depp.

In an interview with Time magazine promoting the actress’ upcoming Netflix series “Stranger Things,” the ’90s it-kid addressed the issue publicly for the first time, calling the matter “difficult and upsetting for me to wrap my head around.”

Actress Amber Heard filed for divorce from Depp on May 23, then filed a temporary restraining order four days later, alleging that Depp had verbally and physically abused her for the entirety of their relationship.

In response to Heard’s request for a restraining order, Depp’s lawyer, Laura A. Wasser, claimed that the actress was “attempting to secure a premature financial resolution by alleging abuse” in a request for temporary spousal support that accompanied her petition for a restraining order. The request for temporary spousal support has since been withdrawn.

“I can only speak from my own experience, which was wildly different than what is being said,” Ryder said about the matter.

“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,” she said about her four-year relationship with her “Edward Scissorhands” costar, which included an extended engagement.

Ryder said she’s in a difficult position, understanding why people want her opinion on the matter but feeling that commenting about the allegations is an invitation to trouble.

“It’s like anybody who says anything about it is a victim-blamer,” Ryder said. “I wasn’t there. I don’t know what happened. I’m not calling anyone a liar.”

She went on to explain how important the relationship had been in her young life -- Ryder was just 17 when she met Depp -- and how she’d never heard or witnessed anything that would suggest that Depp was abusive during their time together or after.

“But, again, I feel like even saying that, I’m going to get death threats or something,” Ryder said.

Ryder said what she really struggles with is the enormity of the accusations against Depp, coming back repeatedly to the devastating consequences therein.

“Imagine someone you were in a relationship with was accused of this,” Ryder said. “It’s just shocking. I have never seen him be violent toward a person before.”

“It’s such a serious, horrible thing to be accused of.”

ALSO

Amber Heard alleges Johnny Depp physically abused her; judge grants her a restraining order

Johnny Depp’s attorney on domestic violence allegations: ‘Amber has tried her claims in the media’

Amber Heard didn’t report abuse by Johnny Depp in order to protect him, attorneys say¿¿¿¿¿¿¿

libby.hill@latimes.com

Twitter: @midwestspitfire