Fans React To Johnny Depp's Appearance At 2022 MTV VMAs

Johnny Depp made a surprise appearance at this year's VMAs!

Three months after the Hollywood veteran won his defamation trial against his ex-wife Amber Heard, the 59-year-old popped in for the award show. However, the Owensboro native's post-trial appearance did not sit right with everyone, especially fans of the entertainer's former lover.

As shared by The Blast, the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) took place at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, on Sunday, August 28. The award ceremony pulled out all the stops for their annual tradition with three Hip-hop stars serving as co-hosts alongside numerous A-list performances.

Although viewers enjoyed LL Cool J, Nicki Minaj, and Jack Harlow emceeing the event. The reverse seemed to occur when a special guest floated in, dressed as the prestigious Moonman trophy. For his brief cameo at the show's beginning, Depp appeared virtually with his face digitally added to the helmet of a moon-person.

The silver astronaut suit was similar to the MTV award typically given to various category winners at the VMAs. However, this life-size version came with the "Edward Scissorhands" star's charm. Depp, best known for his sense of humor, did not disappoint the cheering crowd at the Prudential Center. The father-of-two jokingly told the audience, "And you know what? I needed the work."

In a more extended clip uploaded on "The Lone Ranger" actor's Instagram page, the three-time Academy Award nominee noted that he was available for birthdays, bar mitzvahs, weddings, and any event fans needed. The Owensboro native's jokes referenced his return to the spotlight, most significantly the acting scene following the favorable verdict that cleared his name as an alleged "wife beater."

Nonetheless, the "Pirates of the Caribbean" star's appearance at the VMAs became a viral topic on social media platforms like Twitter. While most people were happy to see the 59-year-old make a tremendous comeback after his emotional legal battle with Heard, the Hollywood sensation's presence left a sour taste in the mouth of his ex-wife's fans.

A male supporter of the blonde actress, Shane Russo, did not mince his words as he slammed MTV for allowing Depp into their show. The unnerved man's message read:

"Honestly, f**k the VMA’s for including Johnny Depp. The entire crowd of Amber’s industry peers are cheering for her abuser. It makes me sick. The industry hasn’t changed at all. Not surprised, but still so disappointed."

The rant did not end there as the "Aquaman" actress's fan continued attacking the industry in more tweets. In a second post, Russo noted that he could not imagine what it felt like to be in Heard's shoes. According to him, the actress was "globally humiliated" by her alleged abuser and betrayed by the community she advocated for. To top things off, the 36-year-old had to watch her peers applaud the man she accused of hurting her.

More fans came to the Texas native's corner as a second Twitter user echoed similar thoughts. This Heard supporter implored MTV to stop giving platforms to abusers. The individual claimed that Depp was not only a legal wife beater but also accused him of copyright infringement. A longtime Heard supporter also joined the troll train.

The media personality noted that the "Zombieland" actress received backlash after winning the UK trial against her ex-husband. But, the reverse happened when the "Blow" actor won the US defamation case. The hate did not faze the SAG award winner's fans as they proudly lauded the idol with praises. Many called out Barlow, and other Heard supporters for their tasteless comments, while others declared Depp would only attain greater heights.

As reported by The Blast, the "Drive Angry" actress's sister, Whitney Henriquez, furiously took to her Instagram Stories to bash Depp's VMAs appearance. The blonde tried to revamp her sister's #amberturd image with the new hashtags #IStandWithAmberHeard and #DVMAS, which she penned over an edited picture of the actress and MTV's iconic moonman.

Alongside these cries of support, Heard's sister expressed her disappointment in MTV for allowing Depp's presence on their show and hoped none of the showrunners had daughters.