JK Rowling has broken her silence on the the decision to keep Johnny Depp on as Gellert Grindelwald after a number of fans threatened to boycott the Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them sequel.

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald will see Depp's portrayal of Grindelwald seemingly front and centre of the next instalment, and fans were disappointed that the actor would be reprising his role following accusations of domestic violence made against him by ex-wife Amber Heard during their divorce proceedings.

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Depp has staunchly denied any and all allegations of domestic violence, and his friends and family all publicly showed their support to the actor. Now, author of the Harry Potter franchise, JK Rowling has spoken out in a statement on her website.

"When Johnny Depp was cast as Grindelwald, I thought he'd be wonderful in the role," she said. "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.

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"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.

"The huge, mutually supportive community that has grown up around Harry Potter is one of the greatest joys of my life. For me personally, the inability to speak openly to fans about this issue has been difficult, frustrating and at times painful.

"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've loved writing the first two screenplays, and I can't wait for fans to see The Crimes of Grindelwald.

"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."

Fantastic Beasts director David Yates also recently defended Depp's casting, saying: "Whatever accusation was out there doesn't tally with the kind of human being I've been working with."

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald opens in cinemas on November 16, 2018.

From: Digital Spy