Rihanna enlisted the Pirates of the Caribbean star to walk in her highly anticipated fashion show Savage X Fenty Vol. 4. The actor’s cameo is similar to Cindy Crawford’s buzzy appearance in the 2021 Savage X Fenty showcase.
Depp’s appearance came halfway through the star-studded event, which just dropped on Prime Video. Draped in one of Rihanna’s latest Savage X Fenty loungewear styles, the actor struts to OutKast’s “So Fresh, So Clean.” He gives the camera a few smiles, surely knowing this casting is a big deal.
News of Depp’s appearance leaked last week and was met with some backlash. The Hollywood Vampires rocker, 59, is still a divisive figure in the entertainment industry, despite winning his defamation case against Amber Heard. Actor Olly Alexander, who collaborated with Savage X Fenty in a social media campaign earlier this year, declared that he “won’t be wearing” the brand any longer. Others followed suit with some fans hopeful he wouldn’t make the final cut.
Of course, Depp fans were ecstatic at news of the actor’s inclusion. This fashion show is the most high-profile appearance to date for the actor since this year’s trial.
Johnny Depp has been embraced as a hero by unhinged right-wing misogynist extremists, and now he's been invited to appear in the @SavageXFenty show. Never expected such a powerful woman to succumb to the #MeToo backlash. Really disappointing @rihanna https://t.co/cU882vMiC6
— Drew Dixon (@deardrewdixon) November 3, 2022
I’m not gonna act like I thought Rihanna had better ethics than this, but this specifically is a wild way to plummet the positive, “inclusive” brand recognition you’ve been building for years. https://t.co/lVxh7chi3A
— them/her (@itsJODONNA) November 3, 2022
Rihanna is far from the lone celebrity backing Depp. Kate Moss supported her ex-boyfriend, even testifying at trial. Winona Ryder also spoke out in defense of her former fiancé. Although likes are not necessarily endorsements, a slew of stars hearted Depp’s Instagram statement after he was awarded more than $10 million in damages. Jennifer Aniston, Jason Momoa and Zoe Saldana were among the celebrities to double tap the post.
