Johnny Depp joins TikTok, thanks fans for support following defamation trial verdict
Johnny Depp joined TikTok on Tuesday and thanked his fans for supporting him during his high-profile defamation trial against ex-wife Amber Heard.
The actor, who has already amassed more than 5 million followers on the social media platform, shared a video in which he is seen greeting fans as well as performing on stage with a guitar in hand. The video, dedicated to his "most treasured, loyal and unwavering supporters," was also shared to his Instagram.
"We’ve been everywhere together, we have seen everything together. We have walked the same road together," Depp wrote. "We did the right thing together, all because you cared."
He added, "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."
A spokesperson for Heard released a statement regarding Depp's debut on TikTok and the accompanying message, saying, "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."
On June 1, a jury sided with Depp in the defamation trial against Heard, awarding him $10 million in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages over Heard's 2018 Washington Post op-ed in which she alleged to be a victim of domestic abuse but did not name her abuser. Virginia law states that punitive damages is capped at $350,000, so Depp will receive a total of $10.35 million.
Heard was awarded $2 million in compensatory damages but no punitive damages for comments made by Depp's former attorney.
