Over the past year or so, the overall climate in the entertainment world has changed. Following the shocking accusations of assault against producer Harvey Weinstein, new emphasis has been placed on how creatives live their lives off camera. Johnny Depp has been at the center of plenty of controversies, most noticeably regarding his split from Amber Heard, and the videos she released of Depp in a state of rage. The actor's most recent controversy comes from the set of his upcoming drama City of Lies, where he reportedly got into a physical altercation with the film's location manager. The crew member, Gregg "Rocky" Brooks, is suing Depp for reportedly punching him on set, and now the actor has fired back with his side of the story. Per Depp's most recent response, Brooks made the actor feel unsafe, possibly giving a reason why things got physical.
This latest update comes from Johnny Depp's legal team, and doesn't actually admit the actor punched Greg Brooks on the set of City of Lies. Instead, it focuses on the behavior of the crew member, alleging Brooks' injuries were acquired due to his own actions. No concrete details about Depp's version of the events were included in the recent paper work (via The Wrap), although it's clear that the Crimes of Gindelwald actor is attempting to distance himself from the physical confrontation.
Johnny Depp's legal response to Gregg Brooks comes after the location manager filed a suit against Depp in July. According to Brooks, Depp became angry and reportedly violent when plans for shooting City of Lies changed last minute, reportedly cursing and screaming at him. Depp then allegedly "angrily and forcefully punched Plaintiff twice in the lower left side of his rib cage and causing pain." The actor has now essentially refuted this account, so it's unclear how potential litigation will affect the complicated situation.
The controversy surrounding Johnny Depp from the set of City of Lies has essentially halted the film's trajectory, and it's unclear if it will ever actually make it to theaters. After its first schedule change, City of Lies was set to arrive on September 7th. But Global Road Entertainment put the flick on hold indefinitely, while the lawsuit and controversy surrounding the project are resolved. If they can be resolved.
City of Lies released its first trailer just a month before things were put on pause, and features Johnny Depp alongside Forest Whitaker. The upcoming movie is based on the real-life police investigation of Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac Shakur's murders, a case which lasted decades and began in the 90s. Depp is playing Russell Poole, the LAPD detective who dug into the events of the violence, which ultimately took two music legends.
Unfortunately, it's unclear if/when City of Lies will hit theaters. But rest assured that CinemaBlend will keep you updated on the proceedings. In the meantime, check out our 2018 release list to plan your next trip to the movies.
