Actor Johnny Depp has been sued for an unspecified amount for allegedly punching a crew member on the sets of the upcoming City of Lies. Greg Brooks, who worked as the location manager on the film, alleged that the incident took place on April 13, 2017, when the film was being shot at a Los Angeles hotel under the title Labyrinth.
In the lawsuit, Brooks has claimed that when he informed director Brad Furman that the upcoming take featuring Depp would have to be the last outdoor shot of the night because of legal permits, he was asked to relay the information to Depp himself, even though that was outside the scope of his duties. Brooks anticipated that Depp might be upset by this and so he went to an on-set police officer for assistance. But Depp intercepted him and started abusing him, before punching him twice in the ribs, Brooks alleged, adding that the actor was reeking of alcohol. He alleged that he was fired from the production the next week after he refused to promise not to pursue legal action. Brooks has also sued the film’s director and producers.
The lawsuit says that Brooks suffered humiliation, wrongful termination and physical and mental pain from the incident, and adds that the filmmakers should have known that Depp was using alcohol and drugs, which could make him a danger to others on set, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
City of Lies examines the unsolved murder of rapper Notorious BIG, who was killed in a drive-by shooting in Los Angeles on March 9, 1997. Depp plays Russell Poole, the police offer who investigated the case. It will be released in the United States of America on September 7.