Disney is backing away from Johnny Depp and is no longer considering him for any part of a potential “Pirates of the Caribbean” reboot after the actor lost lost his libel court case against a British newspaper that called him a “wife beater”, according to reports.
On Monday, the UK’s High Court ruled in the publisher’s favor which claimed there was “overwhelming evidence” that he had assaulted the actress Amber Heard repeatedly during their marriage.
“The House of Mouse is reportedly no longer interested in bringing back the embattled actor in any capacity when it comes to the Pirates Of The Caribbean franchise,” according to WGTC.
Depp sued News Group Newspapers and Dan Wootton — The Sun’s executive editor — over an article that claimed the “Pirates of the Caribbean” star was violent toward Heard while they were together.
Citing evidence, including photos, audio recordings and Depp’s own text messages, lawyers for the newspaper group argued in court filings that Depp “beat his wife Amber Heard, causing her to suffer significant injury, and on occasion leading to her fearing for her life.”
Depp had admitted long-term problems with drugs and alcohol during the trial but said the tabloid’s claims that he was violent toward Heard were “completely untrue.”
However, Judge Andrew Nicol said in his 129-page judgment Monday that the paper’s claims had been shown to be “substantially true.”
In a statement, Depp’s law firm, Schillings, indicated he would contest the ruling, saying “the judgment is so flawed that it would be ridiculous for Mr Depp not to appeal this decision.”