Warner Bros. Issues Statement on Johnny Depp in 'Fantastic Beasts' Sequel

J.K. Rowling released an official statement on WB sticking by Johnny Depp in the Fantastic Beasts [...]

J.K. Rowling released an official statement on WB sticking by Johnny Depp in the Fantastic Beasts sequel, and now the studio and more have followed suit.

Depp had previously been the center of reports involving domestic abuse, with some believing he might be replaced in Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald as a result. That hasn't happened, and according to the studio's official statement, it isn't going to (via BuzzFeed).

"We are of course aware of reports that surfaced around the end of Johnny Depp's marriage, and take seriously the complexity of the issues involved," the statement reads. "This matter has been jointly addressed by both parties, in a statement in which they said "there was never any intent of physical or emotional harm. Based on the circumstances and the information available to us, we, along with the filmmakers, continue to support the decision to proceed with Johnny Depp in the role of Grindelwald in this and future films."

As J.K. Rowling previously made clear in her statement, the studio, director, and producers went over the details of the information available, ultimately coming to a decision to move forward with Depp in place. Director David Yates and producer David Heyman released a statement of their own confirming these facts.

"None of us involved in Fantastic Beasts would ever let our appreciation of talent obscure other, far more important considerations. We recognized the magnitude of the issues raised and understood the strength of feeling expressed. We hoped and strived at all times to be sensitive to both parties. We stand by our decision to have Johnny in the films."

This isn't the first time Yates has come to Depp's defense though, saying that the person described in the accusation isn't the person he knows.

"Honestly there's an issue at the moment where there's a lot of people being accused of things, they're being accused by multiple victims, and it's compelling and frightening," Yates told EW. "With Johnny, it seems to me there was one person who took a pop at him and claimed something. I can only tell you about the man I see every day: He's full of decency and kindness, and that's all I see. Whatever accusation was out there doesn't tally with the kind of human being I've been working with."

Fans will see Depp reprise the character on the big screen when Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes Of Grindelwald hits theaters on November 16, 2018.

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