Who is Willy Wonka on TikTok? Here’s what we know about the controversial star

Willy Wonka is on TikTok, but he’s not Johnny Depp or even affiliated with the franchise. 

A TikToker has taken on the role of Johnny Depp’s version of the character online, although his outfit is a bit chicer than the original. TikTok’s Willy Wonka usually sports a red velvet blazer, a black t-shirt, a top hat and white retro sunglasses to obscure his face.

Duke has got 17.7 million TikTok followers, 1 million Instagram followers and 510,000 YouTube subscribers. 

When you take it upon yourself to reprise a beloved children’s character on the internet — well, there’s going to be drama. 

Who is Willy Wonka on TikTok?

Willy Wonka is portrayed by Duke Depp, an internet personality whose real name is Tyson Duke Charlesworth. He kept his identity secret until June where he revealed it in a YouTube video

How old is he?

Duke Depp is 20 years old and was born on December 12, 2000 in Utah. He launched his TikTok account in May 2020. Depp refers to his fans as “Oompa Loompas” and his “Dear Children.” 

He first went viral for his sexy dance moves.

@willywonkatiktok

when the chocolate buisness dies down #willywonka

♬ original sound – ♡ arilive

Depp was dubbed the internet’s most seductive Willy Wonka after dancing to “I Wanna Love You” by Akon and Snoop Dogg earlier this year. 

He was ‘canceled’ after being accused of stereotyping Latinx people.

The content creator was called out after making a video where a fan asked him if he spoke Spanish. 

“Hola, soy Willy Wonka, si?” Willy Wonka replied. Then he ate a tortilla chip and gave a thumbs up. 

Depp however apologized after the video’s backlash. 

“I am so so sorry about my ‘Spanish speaking video’ on TikTok. Looking back on the video now I absolutely understand why the video was wrong. To anyone who I hurt with the video I apologize, and I promise to be better,” Depp said on Twitter.

He also came under fire for collaborating with embattled TikTok star Tony Lopez.

In December, Depp angered fans again when he collaborated with Tony Lopez, a TikToker who allegedly sent inappropriate messages to minors.  

Lopez posted a video where he danced with Depp as Willy Wonka and people were not happy, but neither party ever addressed the incident. 

If you found this story interesting, read more about Regé-Jean Page, the breakout star of Bridgerton.

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