Johnny Depp is no longer hiding in the shadows.
Fresh off the heels of his win in the highly publicized defamation case against his ex-wife Amber Heard, the Pirates of the Caribbean star made an unexpected appearance at the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards today (August 28).
During the opening ceremony, Depp surprised fans by appearing virtually with his face superimposed in a floating Moon Person.
“And you know what? I needed the work,” Depp told the crowd at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. He reappeared after a commercial break saying, “Hey VMAs, let’s get back to the f—ing music, shall we?”
This marks his first notable appearance since his career took a pause after Heard accused Depp of domestic violence in op-ed for The Washington Post — though she didn’t mention him by name. On June 1, a seven-person jury voted mostly in favor of Depp, marking a historic win for the actor.
He was awarded more than $10 million while the jury sided with Heard on three defamation countersuits, winning her $2 million.
Following the verdict, Depp put out a statement saying the jury “gave me my life back” meanwhile Heard called it a “setback” for women who speak out about domestic violence.
Since his win, Depp has been out and about pushing the play button on his life. Just days after the verdict, he went overseas to perform with his band Hollywood Vampires, as well as joining British musician Jeff Beck on tour this summer.
Despite keeping busy, Depp hasn’t attended a U.S event since the ruling, and hasn’t attended a major award show since the 2017 People’s Choice Awards in Los Angeles. The first and last time he appeared at the VMA’s was 23 years ago when he presented Nine Inch Nails’ musical performance.
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For more 2022 MTV VMA’s coverage, click here.
