Johnny Depp's ex-wife Amber Heard hits out at JK Rowling after row over Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them sequel casting

JK Rowling and Johnny Depp, the Harry Potter writer has defended her decision to keep him in the role of Grindelwald for the Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them sequel. (PA Wire)

AMBER HEARD has spoken out after JK Rowling defended her decision to keep Johnny Depp in the Fantastic Beasts sequel.

Harry Potter creator Rowling, 52, penned a statement saying that she was “not only comfortable sticking with our original casting, but genuinely happy to have Johnny playing a major character in the movies”.

While not specifically referring to Rowling, Heard, 31, then reissued the statement she previously penned with Depp, 54, on the end of their marriage – a move interpreted as a response to comments made by the best-selling author.

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“For the record, this was our full, joint statement,” she wrote.

“To pick and choose certain lines and quote them out of context, is not right. Women, stay strong.”

Rowling had defended her decision to keep Depp in the role of Grindelwald in Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes Of Grindelwald.

Some fans expressed their disappointment after Depp was accused of domestic violence by his ex-wife.

Rowling wrote in a statement: “When Johnny Depp was cast as Grindelwald, I thought he’d be wonderful in the role.

“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.

“Harry Potter fans had legitimate questions and concerns about our choice to continue with Johnny Depp in the role. As David Yates, long-time Potter director, has already said, we naturally considered the possibility of recasting.”

She said she understands why “some have been confused and angry” that Depp was not recast.

Rowling had said: “However, 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.”

She added: “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.”

Depp and Heard split in April last year after 15 months of marriage.