The MTV VMAs are always a night of spectacle. This year was no different with plenty of show-stopping performances and queer positive splashes like Billy Eichner’s speech against “the homophobes on the Supreme Court,” and Bad Bunny kissing a male backup dancer on stage — but despite the more crowd-pleasing moments, there was a strange vibe literally hanging in the air. That came in the form of Johnny Depp making his first appearance since his highly publicized court battle with ex-wife Amber Heard. Depp was seen digitally with his face imposed on a moon man floating over the crowd and cracking weird jokes like, “I needed the work.”
The inclusion of Depp in the telecast was instantly polarizing online. Fans of Depp lauded the cameo as his big comeback, while others mocked what a ridiculous and strange way it was to reintroduce himself. Others remarked that happily showcasing someone who was on trial for abuse allegations is why victims don’t come forward more often, and said that it speaks to the entertainment industry’s problematic relationship with abusers.
