JK Rowling, Warner Bros. back Johnny Depp

Johnny Depp (photo by Loren Javier/ Flickr)
Johnny Depp (photo by Loren Javier/ Flickr)

J.K. Rowling is voicing her support for Johnny Depp and his casting in an upcoming sequel to “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.”

The author published a statement on her website Thursday. Some “Harry Potter” fans have said they would boycott “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald” after Depp’s ex-wife Amber Heard said during their divorce that Depp had hit her. The two settled their divorce last year.

Rowling said she and director David Yates considered recasting Depp’s role. But she cited “agreements that have been put in place to protect the privacy of two people,” and said that she is not only comfortable with Depp’s casting “but genuinely happy” to have him starring in the franchise.

Warner Bros. said it supported the decision. (AP)