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Rihanna is facing backlash after it was revealed that Johnny Depp will make a ‘star’ cameo at the upcoming Savage Fenty X Vol 4 fashion show. Fans of the singer began raising concerns about the casting shortly after it was reported on Thursday, with critics now calling for a boycott of Rihanna’s lingerie brand and cosmetics company Fenty Beauty. The Independent confirmed Depp’s name in the show’s end credits, while photos shared ahead of the show’s Prime Video release on November 9 show the actor dressed in a green outfit from the Savage x Fenty men’s collection. The controversial news of the actor’s cameo comes after Depp’s high-profile legal battle with ex-wife Amber Heard over a 2018 article written by the Aquaman star ended earlier this year when a jury that Heard had defamed Depp when she claimed she was abused during their marriage. As a result of the June ruling, which ended the six-week trial, Heard was ordered to pay Depp $10 million (£8 million) in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages. The jury also awarded Heard $2m (£1.6m) in her counterclaim that she was defamed by one of Depp’s lawyers. Details of the former couple’s wedding, and every moment of the lengthy trial, also played out on social media, where fans watched with intense scrutiny. Follow the latest updates below.
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As the criticism directed at Rihanna for working with Depp continues, fans have also noticed that Heard’s Twitter account appears to have disappeared. As of Thursday, Heard’s handle @realAmberHeard was no longer active. It is currently unclear whether the Aquaman star removed the account herself or if it was deactivated, however, its disappearance comes just days after Heard’s ex-boyfriend Elon Musk took over the social media platform. Heard last used her account to tweet in June, when she shared a statement about the outcome of Depp’s defamation lawsuit against her. You can find more details on Depp’s latest tweet below. Chelsea Richell November 4, 2022 6:12 p.m 1667582505
As fans continue to criticize the singer, some have argued that if Rihanna wanted to make a “powerful statement” she could cast Depp’s ex-wife Amber Heard on the show. “It’s a real bummer because imagine what a powerful statement Rihanna could have made by inviting Amber to her show,” reads one tweet. The proposal sparked a debate of its own, as some argued that Rihanna should not have extended the platform to either. “How about you don’t invite either of them… never should have happened,” one person said in response, while another said: “I’d rather he invited neither of them.” Chelsea Richell November 4, 2022 5:21 p.m 1667578478
Others claimed they also plan to boycott Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty label as a result of Depp’s cameo at the upcoming fashion show. “I’m so glad I never bought a Savage x Fenty product and I look forward to never buying a Fenty Beauty product again,” one person tweeted. According to Forbes, which estimates Rihanna’s net worth at $1.7 billion, the singer’s billionaire status is largely due to the value of her cosmetics company, of which she owns 50%. In 2021, the agency reported that about $1.4 billion of Rihanna’s fortune comes from Fenty Beauty. Chelsea Richell November 4, 2022 4:14 p.m 1667574347
According to one person who said they will no longer purchase items from Savage x Fenty, the decision stems from their feelings about a brand that would choose to work with Depp. “How are we supposed to feel empowered in these clothes? It’s just disgusting to me,” they wrote. Chelsea Richell November 4, 2022 3:05 pm 1667572408
In light of the news that Depp will make a cameo appearance during the upcoming fashion show, many fans have called for a boycott of the underwear brand. Chelsea Richell November 4, 2022 2:33 p.m 1667571600
Others claimed the move would damage the inclusive space Rihanna has cultivated in the fashion industry. “I’m not going to act like I thought Rihanna had better morals than she did, but this is a particularly savage way to plummet the positive, ‘inclusive’ brand recognition you’ve built over the years,” one person claimed. In a subsequent post, they then acknowledged the singer’s billionaire status and claimed that “you don’t become a billionaire by being a good person.” Chelsea Richell November 4, 2022 2:20 p.m 1667569136
While Rihanna has not addressed the backlash, fans are still holding out hope that she or her team will overturn the decision. “I don’t think Rihanna cares about the backlash, but I hope she’s strong enough that her team is like…wow, maybe this isn’t a good idea,” one person tweeted Thursday. The post has since received more than 56,000 likes. Chelsea Richell November 4, 2022 1:38 p.m 1667563213
Rihanna hasn’t dealt with the backlash over Depp’s appearance at the Fenty show so far. Peony Hirwani November 4, 2022 12:00 p.m 1667560569
Olly Alexander Vows To Quit Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty Brand After Johnny Depp Confirmed As Showcase Guest
ICYMI: Olly Alexander reacts to the news that Johnny Depp will appear at the Rihanna Savage X Fenty Vol 4 fashion show. On Thursday (Nov. 3), Alexander made a sad face in response to a Pop Crave tweet that read: “Depp will be the first man to have his own section of the spotlight at Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty fashion show.” One fan responded to the British singer’s apparent upset at the confirmation of Depp’s cameo, writing: “But Savage X Fenty is you baby… you wear it so well.” “Thanks, but after this news I won’t be wearing it anymore,” the Years & Years singer replied. Peony Hirwani4 November 2022 11:16 1667557416
The upcoming show, which has been described as a “fashion experience”, is set to be a one-of-a-kind affair, with performances from Anitta and Burna Boy and cameos from Cara Delevingne and Irina Shayk. Peony Hirwani November 4, 2022 10:23 am
