The actor is set to make a pre-filmed appearance at Rihanna’s upcoming fashion show (Picture: AP/Getty)
The news that Rihanna has tapped Johnny Depp to appear in her Savage x Fenty fashion show next week as a special guest has sparked backlash among fans online.
The Umbrella chart-topper’s fourth fashion presentation, which will air on Amazon Prime Video on November 9, is to star models such as Cara Delevingne and Irina Shayk strutting along the runway wearing her latest lingerie collections.
There will also be musical performances from Anitta and Burna Boy, and Metro.co.uk understands that Johnny Depp will be taking part as one of the show’s ‘star’ moments.
While his inclusion won’t see him on the runway in any capacity, he is following in the footsteps of previous cameos made by the likes of Cindy Crawford and Erykah Badu.
Pirates of the Caribbean star Johnny, 59, will also be the first man in the history of Savage x Fenty to take on the role.
However, as the news spread to social media, the reactions were thick and fast – and rather mixed, in light of his controversial libel trial against ex-wife Amber Heard over the summer.
He is the first man to make a ‘star’ cameo role, like Cindy Crawford has done in the past (Picture: Noam Galai/Getty Images for SiriusXM)
Irina Shayk modelling in the show, filmed on Wednesday to be broadcast next week (Picture: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty Show Vol. 4 presented by Prime Video)
‘Savage x Fenty is already a flop – adding Johnny Depp to the mix is just another example of how out of touch Rihanna actually is,’ tweeted one fan.
Another lamented: ‘Rihanna can’t be serious? With all these beautiful and unproblematic men in Hollywood, and Johnny Depp is the one that appeals to you the most?’
‘I love Rihanna obviously but, if this is true, it’s the second instance in a matter of months where Johnny Depp has been a “surprise” during a large-scale production,’ commented a third fan, referencing Johnny’s Moonman cameo at the 2022 VMAs.
‘It’s slimy behavior imo [sic] – if you’re going to support him, at least be upfront about it.’
Several Rihanna fans were unhappy with the singer and entrepreneur’s decision to invite Johnny to participate (Picture: Amy Sussman/WireImage)
Aylah Williams and Lara Stone during Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty Show Vol. 4 presented by Prime Video in Simi Valley, California (Picture: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty Show Vol. 4 presented by Prime Video)
Others remarked on the ‘dizzying’ speed with which Hollywood was keen to ‘rehabilitate’ the star, while one stated: ‘Rihanna including Johnny Depp in her fashion show is when I get off that fan train.’
Singer ad actor Olly Alexander communicated his disappointment with the decision by sharing the news with a sad face, emphasised by many sad-mouth brackets.
After a fan then said that he wore the brand ‘so well’, the Years & Years star added: ‘thank you but after this news i won’t be wearing it anymore [sic].’
However, many were also pleased to see the actor and musician be given the opportunity.
‘Rihanna supporting Johnny Depp and honouring his career is what I like to see,’ declared one.
Another added: ‘I’m feeling so passionate about Johnny Depp and his rise from the ashes today. I’m just so proud of him. Sold out shows, a bunch of other successes, and today this new thing with Rihanna.’
🙌🙌 yaaasss #Rihanna #JohnnyDepp
— Stacey Skirving 🤖🏴☠️🏴 (@skirving_stacey) November 3, 2022
Johnny’s already-filmed segment for the fashion show has been described as ‘cool and chic’ while honouring all aspects of his artistry such as acting, modelling and music, according to TMZ.
It was also Rihanna, 34, and her team who were said to have reached out to Johnny to extend the invitation to take part, and he was thrilled to say yes.
The Edward Scissorhands actor was embroiled in legal drama earlier this year when he sued ex-wife Amber, claiming she defamed him with an op-ed she wrote for The Washington Post in 2018 describing her experience with domestic abuse.
While he wasn’t named in the piece, the actor’s legal team argued it suggested he was the partner who was physically and emotionally abusive towards her.
The couple were married for a year, with their marriage coming to an end in 2016.
Johnny has barely stopped since his legal victory in the summer (Picture: Venla Shalin/Redferns)
After a six-week trial, a jury found in June that Amber did defame Johnny and both sides were awarded various damages.
Since his victory, Johnny has been busy, embarking on a tour with Jeff Beck over the summer and releasing an album with the musician, while he’s set to also reunite with his own band Hollywood Vampires next year.
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He has also finished filming scenes for the period drama Jeanne du Barry.
Metro.co.uk has contacted reps for Rihanna, Johnny Depp, Savage x Fenty and Amazon Studios for comment.
Rihanna’s Savage x Fenty Vol 4 airs on Amazon Prime Video on November 9.
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His appearance has been confirmed.
