Johnny Depp Thanks Fans For Support At The PCAs

The evening ended on a bit of a loaded note when Johnny Depp won the People's Choice Award for Favorite Movie Icon on Wednesday night. The actor took the stage, looking surprised at the win but appearing grateful that he did, in fact, win. There were plenty of cheers from the crowd, and Depp kept his speech focused on the fans, thanking them for their support and shouting out their love and appreciation from the audience.

He said,

"I came here for one reason tonight: I came here for you, the people. Through whatever good times or bad, you've stood by me, you've trusted me. You very graciously invited me here again tonight ... You have no idea how much I appreciate it."

Depp attempted to settle the crowd down by saying (hyperbolically) he had to get on with his speech or else the band beneath his feet would "shoot him" otherwise. He expressed his deep thanks for the support that his fans had shown him and his family over the course of the last year. He concluded by saying,

"In all honesty, we all know that none of us, especially me, would be standing up here if it weren't for you tonight. So, thank you."

While he did not mention any specifics, it's not a stretch to think that Depp was at least in part referring to his divorce from Amber Heard when he referenced the support he has received from fans as of late, particularly during "good times or bad."

As was widely covered at the time, Heard filed a domestic abuse restraining order against Depp in May 2016. Depp denied the allegations through his lawyer, Laura Wasser, who told Entertainment Tonight at the time, "Amber is attempting to secure a premature financial resolution by alleging abuse." After that, the couple worked on a settlement that best suited each party, and Heard withdrew her petition. In January 2017, the divorce was finalized.

In August 2016, the couple released a joint statement, which reads,

"Our relationship was intensely passionate and at times volatile, but always bound by love. Neither party has made false accusations for financial gains. There was never an intent of physical or emotional harm. Amber wishes the best for Johnny in the future. Amber will be donating financial proceeds from the divorce to a charity."