Image via Getty Images for MTV/Paramount G//
The actor joked about his controversial defamation case at various points throughout the ceremony…
Johnny Depp has made a surprise cameo at the MTV Video Music Awards, appearing as a floating astronaut at various points throughout the ceremony. The actor’s face was superimposed inside the helmet of a moonman, presumably inspired by the MTV logo, through which he delivered jokes in reference to his controversial comeback following his defamation lawsuit with ex-wife Amber Heard.
“You know what, I needed the work,” Depp said at the beginning of the awards show. Later, he joked that he was “available for birthdays, bat mitzvahs, weddings, wakes” and “any old thing you need.” Depp joined Taylor Swift in arriving as a surprise to the event, which saw the likes of Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Harry Styles and Nicki Minaj awarded for their work over the past year.
Watching Johnny throw shade at his haters is absolutely brilliant. ❤️😂🔥🙌 Y’all tried to cancel for him for 6 years and he’s back better than ever. You deserve his snark. #JohnnyDeppRisesMTV #JohnnyDeppRisesVMA #JohnnyDeppKeepsWinning #MoonManDepp pic.twitter.com/cjuNb4apXI
— 💫mandi ✨The Depp Effect ~ “Cosmic Fiasco” 🎶🎸 (@deppscheekbones) August 29, 2022
Johnny Depp available for birthdays he said. pic.twitter.com/U1TX0Y1bYp
— mar (@vaersac) August 29, 2022
Elsewhere, Jack Harlow, Lizzo, Eminem and Snoop Dogg performed sets throughout the evening, the last two of whom made history with a partially-digital performance as Bored Ape NFT’s. Depp’s appearance wasn’t the only controversial moment of the night, with Italian band Maneskin having their performance censored by MTV as frontman Damiano was seen sporting a g-string and assless chaps.
oh, and this. @thisismaneskin #VMAs pic.twitter.com/gItxpIExlq
— Video Music Awards (@vmas) August 29, 2022
Depp has consistently been releasing music alongside co-performer Jeff Beck since winning his defamation suit in June. Together, the pair have appeared on stage at a handful of shows across the US, and released the collaborative album 18 in July.
