Actor Johnny Depp has resigned from the Fantastic Beasts films in the wake of a British court ruling against him in a libel case, the PA newswire reported on Friday.
A British newspaper, The SUN, had said Depp was abusive towards his ex-wife, actress Amber Heard, and a judge found the claims “substantially true.”
In a statement addressed to fans via his Instagram page, Depp said he had been “asked to resign” from his role as Gellert Grindelwald and had “respected that and agreed to that request”.
The statement reads: “In light of recent events, I would like to make the following short statement.
“Firstly I’d like to thank everybody who has gifted me with their support and loyalty. I have been humbled and moved by your many messages of love and concern, particularly over the last few days.
“Secondly, I wish to let you know that I have been asked to resign by Warner Bros. from my role as Grindelwald in Fantastic Beasts and I have respected that and agreed to that request.
“Finally I wish to say this. The surreal judgement of the court in the UK will not change my fight to tell the truth and I confirm that I plan to appeal.
“My resolve remains strong and I intend to prove that the allegations against me are false. My life and career will not be defined by this moment in time. Thank you for reading. Sincerely, Johnny Depp.”
PA quoted a statement from Warner Bros as saying that Depp “will depart the Fantastic Beasts franchise. We thank Johnny for his work on the films to date. Fantastic Beasts 3 is currently in production and the role of Gellert Grindelwald will be recast.”
