Johnny Depp has given his first interview about the controversy surrounding his role in the Fantastic Beasts series.
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Depp first appeared right at the very end of Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them as the recently uncovered Gellert Grindelwald. Fans were immediately divided as in the months leading up to the film premiere, Depp was accused of domestic abuse by his ex-wife, Amber Heard.
After much criticism from fans and the wider public, franchise author J.K. Rowling released a statement via her website which explained her decision to support the actor in the second film, Fantastic Beasts: Crimes of Grindelwald, in which Depp would hold a much larger role.
Rowling explained that she and director, David Yates, had considered the possibility of recasting and understands why “some have been confused and angry about why that didn’t happen.
“… Based on our understanding of the circumstances, the filmmakers and I are not only comfortable sticking with our original casting, but genuinely happy to have Johnny playing a major character in the movies.”
Speaking to Entertainment Weekly about Rowling’s statement Depp said he “felt bad” that Rowling had to “field all these various feelings from people out there.
“But ultimately, there is real controversy. The fact remains I was falsely accused, which is why I’m suing the Sun newspaper for defamation for repeating false accusations. J.K. has seen the evidence and therefore knows I was falsely accused, and that’s why she has publicly supported me. She doesn’t take things lightly. She would not stand up if she didn’t know the truth. So that’s really it.”
Depp is suing The Sun for an article published in April 2018 which called the 55-year-old a “wife-beater” in its headline. The article has since been edited.
You can read Depp’s full interview with EW, HERE.
In a recent interview with GQ, Depp again denied the domestic abuse allegations. Heard’s attorney responded in a statement that both heavily condemned the publication and actor for the interview.
If you would like to access support for issues around domestic violence, please call 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
