Johnny Depp has been sacked from the Fantastic Beasts films after the High Court ruled he was a “wife beater”.

Depp lost a libel action against a newspaper which claimed he assaulted his wife Amber Heard.

The actor has said he will appeal.

Depp, 57, revealed on social media he is leaving the Harry Potter spin-off franchise.

He posted on Instagram:

“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.

“The surreal judgement of the court in the UK will not change my fight to tell the truth and I confirm that I plan to appeal.

“My resolve remains strong and I intend to prove that the allegations against me are false.

“My life and career will not be defined by this moment in time.”

Depp also thanked his fans for “their support and loyalty”.

He added:

“I have been humbled and moved by your many messages of love and concern, particularly over the last few days.”