Potterheads Pile on J.K. Rowling for 'Troubling,' 'Unacceptable' Johnny Depp Defense

In a lengthy statement on her official website, the author and writer/producer of the movies defended the decision to keep Depp around despite the allegations that came out during the actor's very messy and very public divorce from Amber Heard.

Though she explained she was "deeply concerned" about some of the details to come out of the proceedings while making the first movie, Rowling, Warner Bros. and director David Yates decided against recasting Depp. "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," she said of Depp and Heard's divorce settlement. "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."

That didn't sit well with fans, who had been very vocal about Rowling's silence on the issue until now. With this new statement, the rage only intensified, and many Potterheads said they were done with the franchise.

Here's some of the harshest backlash so far:

Heard got a temporary restraining order against Depp in 2016, accusing him of being "verbally and physically abusive" during their marriage. She later dismissed the request after the two settled their divorce. Depp denied the alleged abuse at the time.

"Our relationship was intensely passionate and at times volatile, but always bound by love," Depp and Heard said in a joint statement after settling their divorce. "Neither party has lied nor made false accusations for financial gain. There was never any intent of physical or emotional harm. Amber wishes the best for Johnny in the future. Amber will be donating financial proceeds from the divorce to a charity. There will be no further public statements about this matter."