Depp asked to leave Fantastic Beasts franchise

Star resigns following libel case loss last week

by Amber Wilkinson

Jonny Depp's Instagram post
Jonny Depp's Instagram post Photo: Instagram
Johnny Depp has been "asked to resign" from the Fantastic Beasts film franchise after he lost his libel case against the Sun over a 2018 article that alleged he was a "wife beater".

The 57-year-old posted a letter to fans on his Instagram announcing he was stepping down from the role Gellert Grindelwald in the Harry Potter prequel films.

He wrote: "I wish to let you know that I have been asked to resign from my role as Grindelwald in Fantastic Beasts and I have respected and agreed to that request."

Earlier this week Judge Mr Justice Nicol ruled the Sun had proved the contents of the article to be "substantially true".

Describing the judgement - which referred to allegations over his conduct towards is ex-wife Amber Heard - as "surreal" Depp said he intended to appeal and added, "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".

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