Fantastic Beasts backlash as director defends Johnny Depp after ‘abuse’ allegations
FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM director David Yates has come under fire on social media for his defence of Johnny Depp.
David Yates has defended Johnny Depp
Last year, Depp was accused of physical and emotional abuse by ex-wife Amber Heard - claims he strongly denied.
The former couple ultimately settled their case on the eve of a court hearing in August 2016, saying in a joint statement that “there was never an intent of physical or emotional harm” and that “neither party has made false accusations for financial gains”.
Nonetheless, Depp’s involvement in the Fantastic Beasts franchise has continued to divide moviegoers, and now Yates’ defence of him has prompted a flurry of outrage.
In a new interview with Entertainment Weekly, published yesterday, the director said Heard’s accusations don’t “tally with the kind of human I’ve been working with”.
Yates enjoyed working with the famous actor
Depp's high-profile roles have continued since the scandal
“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, “ he said. “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.”
In the wake of the Harvey Weinstein scandal, he added: “It’s very different [than cases] where there are multiple accusers over many years that need to be examined and we need to reflect on our industry that allows that to roll on year in and year out.
“Johnny isn’t in that category in any shape or form. So to me, it doesn’t bear any more analysis. It’s a dead issue.”
dear @jk_rowling,
— ??????alim kheraj (@alimkheraj) November 29, 2017
i have been a big hp fan & of you for 20 years. however, until you take a stand against depp and get david yates to apologise to amber heard for his stupid comments, i don't know that this relationship can continue.
yours,
a disgruntled and disappointed fan.
New behind the scenes picture of Johnny Depp and David Yates at the Fantastic Beasts set (2017). pic.twitter.com/JjC2mhDqyi
— mary is ALL IN (@meraheard) November 28, 2017
Here's the "Fantastic Beasts" director defending Johnny Depp, saying Amber Heard is just "one person who took a pop at him and claimed something." Who's gonna tell him that Depp's abuse was documented and corroborated by multiple witnesses, including Depp's own employees? pic.twitter.com/pKJCf59YZu
— Tom VanBuren (@trvanburen) November 28, 2017
disgusting, so what he's saying is that basically when someone behaves appropriately all his life this must mean a person can never do wrong, this article is essentially victim blaming and accusing amber heard, both EW, David Yates and the fantastic beasts films are done for me
— Charlotte's life. (@FreeAcces) November 28, 2017
Happy to hear Johnny Depp will be returning for Fantastic Beasts 2 seeing as he only assaulted one woman instead of like a bunch of them which would be bad
— Jenny Nicholson (@JennyENicholson) November 29, 2017
@jk_rowling Help Us! Don't let let Johnny Depp continue in the movie being accused of violence and abuse. Harry Potter is about equality, diversity and girl power!https://t.co/pmViZsy7S1
— Julia Abilel (@juliabilel) November 28, 2017
One Twitter user, @FreeAcces, said: “disgusting, so what he's saying is that basically when someone behaves appropriately all his life this must mean a person can never do wrong.”
"I see. So Amber Heard faked bruises, somehow faked a video we’ve all seen of Depp being abusive, & did it all to...give away her $7 million settlement to charities?” responded @ladyhaja.
@_Elle_Spencer_ raged: “There are A LOT of people only giving Fantastic Beasts a go because of Harry Potter nostalgia.... so, to have this hack director David Yates ‘LOL’ at domestic violence b/c Johnny Depp didn’t lay a finger ON A MAN is revolting. Men aren’t trash - but these 2 are. F**k these guys.”
“He thinks Amber Heard was making it all up?! Shut it down, shut it all down, Fantastic Beasts is 100% cancelled,” said @rmdbutler.
One fan, @juliabilel, even appealed to JK Rowling for help, saying: “@jk_rowling Help Us! Don't let let Johnny Depp continue in the movie being accused of violence and abuse. Harry Potter is about equality, diversity and girl power!”
A first look at the new movie's cast was recently revealed
Magical first look at Grindelwald Fantastic Beasts movie
Vowing to boycott, @robertmanion tweeted: “I was on the fence, but now after David Yates' response to the Johnny Depp stuff I definitely won't be seeing #FantasticBeasts 2. Too many gross white men thanks.”
Many others continue to stand by Depp, however, with users such as @delicatebliss insisting “JD has evidence to back up AH's wrong facts”.
@Sincurly_Yurs waded in with: “Theres a diff between being wrong and having a pattern. There is no pattern here. Johnny and Amber were toxic together and now they've split.”
Depp’s character features in the title of the next Fantastic Beasts movie, The Crimes of Grindelwald - the first image for which was revealed earlier this month.
The Harry Potter spin-off is due for release on November 16, 2018.