The decision came after he lost the UK libel case against The Sun
Johnny Depp has been requested to resign by Warner Bros. from his role of Gellert Grindelwald from the Fantastic Beasts franchise after his failed libel case against The Sun tabloid that published an article in 2018 calling him a “wife-beater.”
In a letter posted on his official Instagram, the actor announced his resignation and said that the announcement came “in light of recent events.” He wrote about Warner Bros decision and that he had respected and agreed to the request.
Not over yet
Warner Bros also confirmed Depp’s exit and said that they will be recasting Grindelwald. They thanked Johnny for his work with them so far through a statement. They are currently in the process of making the third Fantastic Beasts film.
Depp is also going to appeal the decision taken earlier this week by a British judge. After hearing testimony from Depp and Heard, Justice Andrew Nicol declared that the allegations against Depp were “substantially true.” The decision came after twelve of the alleged 14 incidents published by the newspaper met the civil burden of proof and the balance of probability. News Group Newspapers, the parent company of The Sun as well as it’s executive editor Dan Wootton had been sued by Depp for that article.
Depp said in his statement that this judgement will not end his fight to tell the truth and he will be planning to appeal. His resolve continues to stay strong as he plans to prove that the allegations against him are false. He concluded by saying, “My life and career will not be defined by this movement in time.”
He has filed a lawsuit against Heard as well for an article she wrote in the Washington Post where she spoke about his violent behaviour.