JOHNNY DEPP'S EX-WIFE HE ISN'T A WOMAN BEATER

Johnny Depp would never lay a hand on a woman and isn't capable of hurting anyone ... so says Johnny's first wife, Lori Anne Allison.

Lori, who was married to Johnny from 1983 to 1985, tells friends she doesn't believe Amber Heard's claim that Johnny brutalized her multiple times during their short marriage.

Lori's saying Johnny never got physical with her during their relationship ... he never even screamed.

She calls him a "soft person" who is even kind to animals. Lori and Johnny had a dog during their marriage and he was more loving with the pooch than most parents are to their kids. 

Lori and Johnny are still friends and spoke as recently as last week when she called to offer her condolences over his mother's death.

TMZ broke the story ... Amber claims Johnny went on a violent tirade while high and drunk last weekend and smashed an iPhone on her face.

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