Disney has reportedly banned Johnny Depp from being interviewed about his new film The Rum Diary on its TV stations.
The company, which owns ABC and several ABC-owned and operated stations, told its affiliates that they cannot talk to the actor about the film because it doesn't want the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise to be overshadowed.
Depp attended the Austin Film Festival on Friday, where The Rum Diary will be screened and he will receive an award for his Extraordinary Contribution to Film.
However, a clause in his Pirates of the Caribbean contract with Disney meant ABC affiliates were not allowed to interview Depp or film him at the event, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
"We came here expecting to talk to one of the biggest names in Hollywood, but apparently Disney doesn't want Johnny Depp's new movie premiering here at the Paramount Theatre to get more exposure than his new Pirates of the Caribbean movie," KHOU News reporter Shelton Green said.
"So, they wouldn't allow us to interview him nor would they even allow us to get video of him, but hundreds of other people did."
The Rum Diary, based on Hunter S Thompson's novel about a reporter in 1950s Puerto Rico, is released on October 28.
