Johnny Depp thanks fans on TikTok after Amber Heard win: 'We did the right thing together'
Johnny Depp has officially joined TikTok after winning his defamation case against Amber Heard. The 58-year-old actor — who has over 5.3 million followers (and counting) — dedicated his first post on Tuesday to his "loyal" fans. It didn't take long for Heard to respond to his message.
"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," he wrote. "And now, we will all move forward together. 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."
In the video, Depp waves to hoards of supporters from his car. There are also clips of his performance with Jeff Beck in the U.K.
A spokesperson for Heard issued the following statement to Yahoo Entertainment: "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."
Last week, Depp was awarded $15 million by a jury for defamatory claims made by Heard. (Due to Virginia law, he will only get $10.35 million.) In a 2018 op-ed, Heard described herself as a survivor of sexual and domestic violence. Although the Aquaman star, 36, did win part of her counterclaim against Depp, the verdict is considered a resounding win for the actor.
It's very fitting Depp is now on TikTok. The social media platform became a go-to hub for #JusticeforJohnny supporters during the high-profile trial. Social media in general was not a friendly place for Heard, but TikTok was especially harsh.
Heard, who was awarded $2 million for defamatory claims made by Depp's attorney, will appeal the ruling. The actress's attorney Elaine Bredehoft blamed social media for likely swaying the jury.
"There's no way they couldn't have been influenced," Bredehoft said last week on the Today show. "And it was horrible. [The coverage] really, really was lopsided" to Depp's benefit. "It was like the Roman Colosseum."
Depp's TikTok bio reads "Occasional Thespian." All eyes are on whether he'll be mounting a Hollywood comeback after his victory in court.
Editor's note: This post was originally published on June 7, 2022, at 1:53 p.m. ET and has been updated to include Heard's statement.
MORE: Johnny Depp wins big in court against Amber Heard