Some bad news for Johnny Depp this week. The controversial actor lost his libel case against the publisher of Britain’s The Sun newspaper. As some of you may know, the publication made accusations that Depp abused his ex-wife Amber Heard.
Depp claimed those allegations were false, but after a lengthy (and often messy) court battle, the judge working the case found the claims “substantially true.”
It’s a huge blow to Depp, who was hoping he could clear his name by winning this case. Instead, the judge ruled against him and basically said he did indeed abuse Heard on some level.
In light of this ruling, Depp revealed that Warner Bros. has asked him to resign from the Fantastic Beasts franchise.
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 and agreed to that request. Finally, I wish to say this. The surreal judgement of the court in the U.K. 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.
The studio had been trying to defend keeping Depp in the franchise, but after this ruling, it looks like they feel like the defense just isn’t there.
This could be the end of movie star Depp. He may have trouble landing big roles in Hollywood after this.