Johnny Depp Warns Fans About 'Fake' Social Media Accounts: 'Remain Cautious'
By Kristin Myers on June 22, 2022 at 8:30 AM EDT
Actor Johnny Depp may have joined TikTok, but he has a limit to how many social media accounts he has.
In his Instagram Story, the "Pirates of the Caribbean" actor encouraged his followers to be cautious about interacting with any accounts claiming to be him, or associated with him, on social media.
Johnny Depp Warns Fans To 'Remain Cautious' Of Fake Social Media Accounts
The "Sweeney Todd" actor provided fans with a list of his official accounts and warned them to be careful when interacting with anyone who claims to be him online.
“I’ve been made aware that there are fake accounts pretending to be me or people working with me,” he began. “I do not have any private or side accounts on any platforms. These are the only pages run by me and my team where we share updates and communicate:
“Instagram @JohnnyDepp / TikTok @JohnnyDepp / Facebook @JohnnyDepp / Discord @JohnnyDepp0854," he added.
"I ask that you remain cautious as it seems these fake accounts can be relentless. My team is working to combat the problem. Thank you for your continued support and for making me aware of this issue!" Depp continued, concluding, "Love & respect, JD X."
The recent defamation trial against ex-wife Amber Heard has thrust Depp back in the spotlight.
On June 1, a seven-person jury awarded "The Lone Ranger" actor $15 million dollars after they found that the "Aquaman" actresses' 2018 op-ed in the Washington Post defamed the actor. Heard had claimed that she was a survivor of domestic abuse, although Depp insisted that he had never struck Heard or any woman.
A jury awarded him $10 million dollars in compensatory damages and $5 million dollars in punitive damages; however, that $5 million dollars was later reduced to $350,000 dollars, the maximum allowed under Virginia state law.
A jury also awarded Heard $2 million dollars after a jury found that one of Depp's attorneys defamed Heard when he called her abuse allegations "a hoax."
Johnny Depp Is Looking To Move On With His Life Post Defamation Trial
On Sunday, "The Lone Ranger" actor performed with Jeff Beck yet again, this time at the Helsinki Blues Festival. The next day, a source told PEOPLE that Depp had "moved on" with his life.
"The trial was necessary, but he is happy that it's over," the insider shared. "Although he is relieved about the jury's verdict, he isn't gloating about it." The source said that Depp "isn't even talking about the trial now."
"He filed the lawsuit because he considered it necessary. He has moved on though," they added. "He is now able to get back to what he loves doing. He enjoys performing and has a busy summer ahead. He is also looking forward to continuing working. He just wants his career back. He loves filming."
Although it remains to be seen what will become of Depp's film career, on June 9, just over a week after the jury announced their verdict, Depp and Beck announced that a joint album called 18 will be released on July 15.
Soon after the trial ended, Depp seemed eager to reunite with his fans by joining TikTok. He thanked his fans in his first video on the platform, writing, "To all of my most treasured, loyal and unwavering supporters. We've been everywhere together, we have seen everything together. We have walked the same road together. We did the right thing together, all because you cared."
"And now, we will all move forward together," he continued. "You are, as always, my employers and once again I am whittled down to no way to say thank you, other than just by saying thank you. So, thank you. My love & respect, JD." Depp has so far gained over 15 million TikTok followers.
Although Depp is eager to leave the trial behind him, the "Zombieland" actress revealed that she plans to file an appeal. His spokesperson also told The Blast, "As Johnny Depp says he's 'moving forward,' women's rights are moving backward. The verdict's message to victims of domestic violence is ... be afraid to stand up and speak out."
Shortly after the jury's verdict was announced, Heard took to social media and called the jury's verdict a "setback" for women. She opened up more about the trial in a recent Dateline interview.