Marilyn Manson defends Johnny Depp

Marilyn Manson claims Johnny Depp was "unjustly crucified" in his divorce from Amber Heard.

The controversial rocker has spoken out to defend his friend – who has kids Lily-Rose, 17, and Jack, 14, with ex-partner Vanessa Paradis – following his bitter split from the 30-year-old actress, who accused him of being abusive when they split in May.

He said: "Lily-Rose is my goddaughter and I was there when Jack was born, so we go back.

"Johnny is one of the nicest people that I know – to the extent where it’s almost heartbreaking how kind he is to his friends, and everyone around him. I know that he was completely crucified – unjustly."

After Amber filed for divorce from Johnny in May after 15 months of marriage, she sought a restraining order after accused him of striking her in the face with an iPhone and reports subsequently emerged of their explosive rows, including one in which the 53-year-old actor allegedly accidentally cut off his fingertip during an argument in which he accused the ‘Magic Mike XXL’ star of being unfaithful.

However, the ‘Beautiful People’ hitmaker has slammed the claims against the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ actor and branded them "bulls**t."

He told The Daily Beast: "I would stand by him on anything.

"As my friend, I know that he’s handling it the best he can and he’s a great dad, too. It fills me with joy to see his kids grow up and be so smart, and so hilarious.

"We played a show together not too long ago. It’s hard to say when you talk about your friends.

"Of course I think that all of it was bulls**t, and I think that he is a great person. I wouldn’t agree with any of it if someone were to put me on the stand and ask me what I know, or what I’ve witnessed."

Amber and Johnny reached a settlement last month, which she has donated to charity, and a judge dismissed the restraining order and the domestic violence case against the actor after they made the agreement.