J.K. Rowling Defends Casting Johnny Depp in 'Fantastic Beasts' Films Despite Abuse Allegations
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The author has broken her silence on why she's standing by her decision to keep the actor in the cast to play Grindelwald, even after his ex-wife Amber Heard accused him of domestic violence.

AceShowbiz - J.K. Rowling is standing by her decision to keep Johnny Depp in the cast of "Fantastic Beasts" films to play Gellert Grindelwald, even after his ex-wife Amber Heard accused him of domestic violence during their marriage. Taking to her website, the British author released a statement on Thursday, December 7 in which she revealed why she chose not to recast the villainous role.

"When Johnny Depp was cast as Grindelwald, I thought he'd be wonderful in the role," Rowling explained. "However, around the time of filming his cameo in the first movie, stories had appeared in the press that deeply concerned me and everyone most closely involved in the franchise," she continued.

" 'Harry Potter' fans had legitimate questions and concerns about our choice to continue with Johnny Depp in the role," she said. "As David Yates, long-time 'Potter' director, has already said, we naturally considered the possibility of recasting. I understand why some have been confused and angry about why that didn't happen."

Rowling added that while "the huge, mutually supportive community that has grown up around 'Harry Potter' is one of the greatest joys of my life," she found it "difficult, frustrating and at times painful" to remain silent on the controversy surrounding Depp. "However," she explained, "the agreements that have been put in place to protect the privacy of two people, both of whom have expressed a desire to get on with their lives, must be respected. 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."

"I've loved writing the first two screenplays and I can't wait for fans to see 'The Crimes of Grindelwald'," she concluded her statement. "I accept that there will be those who are not satisfied with our choice of actor in the title role. However, conscience isn't governable by committee. Within the fictional world and outside it, we all have to do what we believe to be the right thing."

Warner Bros. echoed Rowling's sentiments in a statement, writing, "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."

"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,' " the studio continued. "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."

Yates issued a new statement, saying that "none of us involved in 'Fantastic Beasts' would ever let our appreciation of talent obscure other, far more important considerations." He added, "We recognised 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."

Depp made a brief appearance as Grindelwald in last year's "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them". He's reprising the villainous role in the sequel, titled "Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald", which will open in U.S. theaters on November 16, 2018.

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