Days after losing the libel case he filed against a news paper in the U.K that called him a ‘woman beater’, actor Johny Depp announced that he is stepping down from his role as Grindelwald in the Fantastic Beasts franchise.

The 57-year-old actor posted his official statement on the matter on social media, stating that Warner Bros. asked him to resign from the said role and he respects and agrees with the film company’s request. “I wish to let you know that I have been asked to resign by Warner Bros from my role as Grindelwald in Fantastic Beasts and I have respected and agreed to that request,” Depp wrote.

However, despite losing the case, Depp vows to continue his legal battle to prove his innocence and called the decision as ‘surreal’. “The surreal judgment of the court in the UK will not change my fight to tell the truth and I confirm that I plan to appeal,” Depp stated.

This was also confirmed by Warner Bros. on its statement stating that it would recast the role of Grindelwald for the third installation of ‘Harry Potter’ which will be released in 2022.

Here is the full statement of Johny Depp: