Johnny Depp Claims Alleged Assault on 'City of Lies' Set Was Self-Defense

Johnny Depp is not denying that he physically hit a location manager while on production for his movie, "City of Lies," but he's claiming it was done out of self-defense and should therefore not cause him any legal or financial problems.

Answering the complaint filed earlier this year by Gregg "Rocky" Brooks, Depp argues that any violence brought upon the location manager was because the actor "feared for his safety" during the incident.

According to documents, obtained by The Blast, Depp was not only scared for himself, but allegedly observed director Brad Furman as fearing for his safety. He believes the alleged assault that took place was out of the self-defense and "defense of others."

"City of Lies" is based around the murder investigations of Tupac and Notorious B.I.G. It was slated for a September release, but has been pushed back and a new date has not yet been announced.

In his original complaint, Brooks alleged that Depp "smelled of alcohol" when he allegedly punched him twice in the rib cage after the location manager tried to enforce a permit restriction during a late night of filming. Depp's bodyguards allegedly had to hold back the star, and Brooks was fired from the production three days later after refusing to sign a release on the incident.

Now Depp wants the entire case dismissed and for Brooks to get no money.