Johnny Depp's Confusing Appearance At The 2022 VMAs Has Twitter Seething

Ever since his defamation trial against Amber Heard ended up in a win, Johnny Depp's camp has been dropping hints about him making a huge comeback in Hollywood. He's expected to produce and direct a project alongside Al Pacino, as well as star in a film called "Jeanne Du Barry." He has also been tapped to be the face of a Dior campaign and he's slated to tour with his band, The Hollywood Vampires.

Depp shows no signs of stopping in this self-imposed renaissance but his latest move had fans scratching their heads. The "Pirates of the Caribbean" actor made a surprise appearance at the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards, and made a joke that fell flat online. Marking his first TV appearance since the trial, Depp "floated" to the stage as MTV's iconic Moon Man, his face digitally appearing in the space suit, per Yahoo! During his virtual appearance, he joked about marketing his talents to people. "I just want you guys to know that I'm available for birthdays, Bar Mitzvahs, Bat Mitzvahs, weddings, wakes — any old thing you need," he quipped. "You know what? I needed the work."

While his whole appearance was meant to be a joke, it didn't sit well with fans on Twitter.

Twitter was not here for Johnny Depp. Shortly after he appeared on the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards stage, fans took to the social media platform to share their feelings and, well... let's just say that the reception has not been warm.

Many made fun of Depp's supposed "big comeback," saying they were unimpressed by his stunt. "Imagine being a Johnny Depp fan who has been calling this Depp's big #VMAs comeback when all it is is his face projected on a helmet. SO Embarrassing," one viewer wrote. "'Johnny Depp's big comeback' and it made no noise...not a single scream, not a single clap, NOTHING!" criticized another. Meanwhile, there were also viewers who ridiculed MTV for even giving Depp a platform, considering the many revelations made about him in the past few years. "honestly f*** the VMA's for including Johnny Depp. the entire crowd of Amber's industry peers are cheering for her abuser. it makes me sick," one fan tweeted. "I started off the night being so mad and upset that Johnny Depp was attending the #VMAs. But now I'm genuinely cracking up because how embarrassing for him and he is being DRAGGED and I'm here for it," said another.

While Depp seems enthusiastic about getting his career back on track, Hollywood execs don't think it will be too easy for him. "I don't think he will ever be who he was," an anonymous source told People. Still, there's still a possibility that "Depp will do well" because of his fanbase. "His fans are very loyal and vocal and all know he is far from perfect."

But make no mistake — not everyone was mad at Johnny Depp's 2022 VMAs appearance.

"I don't think people get any of the humour behind Johnny Depp's VMA performance. Not only is he making fun of himself and what occurred. He's also taking a jab at Elon Musk. It was brilliant," one Twitter user penned. Meanwhile, another wrote, "I really wanted to see Johnny Depp walk out on stage at the VMA's and the crowd just EXPLODES and he feels the [sic] all love and triumph... But, I guess... I'll take what I can get. And another user kept it short and simple with a tweet that read "@vmas Sorry guys. I'm just here to see #JohnnyDepp."

In the past, Depp's fans have shown just how far they're willing to go to support him. During the actor's defamation case against Amber Heard, many fans camped outside overnight in an effort to snag a seat inside the courtroom. "I've never been to a public trial before. I've never stayed up overnight for anything in line, and I came at 12:45 a.m.," one loyal fan told People about her decision to trek from Madison, Wisconsin to Fairfax, Virginia. "I've never done something like this in my 46 years of life."

But what does Amber Heard — the woman at the center of the controversy — have to say about Johnny Depp's VMAs cameo? While there's been no word yet from Heard, Heard's sister Whitney Henriquez had plenty to say about MTV's decision to include Depp in the high-profile awards show. "@MTV YOU'RE DISGUSTING AND CLEARLY DESPERATE! I REALLY HOPE THAT NONE OF THE PEOPLE THAT MADE THIS CALL HAVE DAUGHTERS... #DVMAS #ISTANDWITHAMBERHEARD" she penned in an Instagram Story (via Twitter). 

As you may recall, Henriquez previously took the stand during the defamation trial and testified that Depp had not only physically abused Heard but hit her as well. And after the verdict, she wasn't shy about her disappointment. "I still stand with you, sissy. Yesterday, today and tomorrow I will always be proud of you for standing up for yourself, for testifying both here in Virginia and in the UK, and for being the voice of so many who can't speak to the things that happen behind closed doors," she shared in an Instagram post on June 5. "I'm so sorry that it wasn't reflected in the decision made by this jury, but I will never give up on you, and neither will anyone who stands with you. Forever by your side... #istandwithamberheard," she wrapped the somber post.

If you or someone you know is dealing with domestic abuse, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−7233. You can also find more information, resources, and support at their website.