Depp has separated from his partner of 14 years, French singer and actress Vanessa Paradis.
The actor had previously denied newspaper reports this year that the pair were to split.
The 49-year-old began dating Paradis, 39, in 1998 after he broke up with supermodel Kate Moss.
“Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis have amicably separated. Please respect their privacy and the privacy of their children,” Depp’s publicist said.
Twitter went into overdrive, with women from around the world seizing their opportunity to make a claim for the actor’s affections, even though it appears Depp doesn’t use the site.
Lucy Sweet (@lucytweet1) tweeted: “Johnny Depp is single and coincidentally I have just taken all my clothes off.”
And Grace Dent (@gracedent) wrote: “Johnny Depp is single again. *Febreezes best girdle, buys half bottle of Teachers, calls cab*”
But comedians had a good time with the news, comedian Dave Steele (@hullodave) writing: “Apparently Johnny Depp has separated from his longterm partner. I hope Tim Burton is ok.”
Jamie Capria (@MrFornicator) tweeted: “Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis have broken up. I wonder who gets to keep the eyeliner?”
