Fantastic Beasts director David Yates has clarified the controversial remarks he made earlier this year — he now says Dumbledore’s sexuality is “clear” in The Crimes of Grindelwald.

Speaking to Empire Magazine this week, Yates said that he was misunderstood when he said Dumbledore is “not explicitly” gay in the Fantastic Beasts sequel.

“In that earlier interview, I didn’t say Dumbledore’s not gay. He is,” he told Empire.

“This part of this huge narrative that Jo is creating doesn’t focus on his sexuality, but we’re not airbrushing or hiding it… the story [of the romantic relationship] isn’t there in this particular movie but it’s clear in what you see… that he is gay. A couple of scenes we shot are very sensual moments of him and the young Grindelwald.”

Yates also confirmed that the tension between Dumbledore and Grindelwald, as described in the original Harry Potter series, will be a central focus of the film series overall. “The story [of this film] is about other things, fundamentally, but the story of Grindelwald and Dumbledore, going forward, that is the story.”

He added, “I think people just have to wait and see and appreciate that in movies to come that relationship will be explored much more fully.”

Dumbledore actor Jude Law was also asked about the situation. “People are very passionate about these stories and that particular topic doesn’t just deal with the characters in the book but people in real life dealing with their sexual orientation… so I can understand why it was emotionally charged.”

“I know the full story. This is part two. There’s more to come.”

These remarks aren’t completely surprising, as the latest Crimes of Grindelwald trailer hinted at Dumbledore’s feelings (desires!) for Grindelwald.

Editor’s note: Johnny Depp, who co-stars in this film, has been repeatedly accused of acting violently towards others. He allegedly beat his ex-wife Amber Heard (read the accusations by Heard and Depp’s former associates). J.K. Rowling responded to the controversy. In July 2018, Depp was accused of punching a crew member on the set of a film in April 2017. Why are we telling you this?