Rihanna Draws Outrage From Fans For Collab Decision With Johnny Depp

The internet is revolting against an upcoming collaboration between Rihanna and Johnny Depp. 

The singer's news that the "Pirates of the Caribbean" star would be on the upcoming "Savage X Fenty Vol. 4" fashion show was met with mixed reactions, with many of the negative responses stemming from the recent Depp v. Heard trial — in which Depp emerged victorious. He and his ex-wife Amber Heard had spent months battling it out in court during their highly publicized defamation trail.

Social media experienced a shake when Rihanna announced that she would join forces with Depp for the fourth volume of her loungewear and lingerie fashion show displaying Fenty's newest designs.

Within minutes, several critics had expressed their displeasure with the singer, who has been away from the entertainment industry for six years. One critic tweeted, "Rihanna stans really waited 7 years for a ballad and the platforming of an abuser," along with a gif of a woman with broken eggs in her blond hair.

A second person noted that even though the "Rude Boy" singer generally did not care about backlash, they hoped "it's strong enough that her team will be like.. woah maybe this isn't a good idea." A third Twitter user felt like Rihanna "going out of her way to, like, rehabilitate the image of a domestic abuser and rapist" was "f*cking crazy" because they could not understand why Depp was part of the show. 

Another displeased observer hoped it was fake news "bcz that's actually so fcking insane and disgusting" and a fifth chimed, "even if rihanna believes he's innocent (which he's not), not only is he still a racist and homophobic rape apologist, but he's also bffs with marilyn manson who he loved to collect nazi memorabilia with. that's who she wants to work with and have represent her brand."

While a critic told Rihanna that it was not too late to call everything a "joke," another added, "everyone shocked that rihanna supports johnny depp, a rapist, abuser & groomer as if she wasn't posing with nicki minaj and her sex offender husband last year. Like Rihanna didn't give an "all lives matter" segment at the height of Israeli terrorism towards Palestine last year."

Although they were rare, Rihanna did get some support from fans, with one tweeting, "the fact that ppl are so emotionally attached to the decisions that celebrities make is weird as fck. like rihanna doesn't know any of you nggas…" A second supporter claimed, "Rihanna is a strong, independent, successful, talented woman & a survivor of domestic abuse. She said #IStandWithJohnnyDepp, a man & a survivor of domestic abuse. We stan Rihanna."

Before the ongoing controversy, Variety had confirmed that Depp would be the first male celeb to have a featured "star" moment in one of the mother-of-one's shows. It would also be his first major public appearance since he won the defamation lawsuit against his ex-wife.

Depp is the latest big name to join the growing list of other confirmed celebrities attending the "Vol. 4" show. These stars include Rihanna herself, "Abbott Elementary" actress Sheryl Lee Ralph, "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" actor Winston Duke, "Empire" star Taraji P. Henson, "Shang-Chi" star Simu Liu,  Marsai Martin, Irina Shayk, Damson Idris, Joan Smalls, Lara Stone, Kornbread, and Lilly Singh. Nigerian music star Burna Boy, Anitta, Don Toliver, and Maxwell will be performing at the fashion show.

In October, The Blast reported that Rihanna excited her fans when she posted a video relating to "Vol. 4" on Instagram. The short clip began with a sultry dark look and a woman's panty-hose-clad lap before the words "Rihanna Presents" appeared on the screen.

What followed was a view of several models dancing as they showed off their yet-to-be-released outfit designs. Viewers also got to see the names of the performing artists and the celebrities that will be featured in the show.

Ecstatic millions of fans quickly liked the post, with some celebs taking to the comment section to praise the "Love on the Brain" singer. While American rapper, BIA, claimed that the show was the "most cultured" in "the worldddd," makeup artist Jovan Rosario was excited at the lineup, exclaiming, "SHERYL LEE RALPH & TARAJI P."

"Savage X Fenty Vol. 4" will be released on Prime Video on November 9.