By Julia Stanton
When American actress Sydney Sweeney first appeared on my screen whilst watching the television show ‘Euphoria’ in 2022, it was easy for me to understand why she had become such a well loved actress. She really embodied the role of Cassie Howard, a messy, and at times problematic character, but extremely entertaining nonetheless.
Unfortunately, Sweeney landed in hot water (no pun intended) when she launched a soap with men’s grooming brand, Dr. Squatch, called ‘Sydney’s Bathwater Bliss’ which is exactly how it sounds, a soap that was infused with her actual bathwater. I found this new business venture ironic considering that Sweeney had previously stated in an interview with TODAY’s Craig Melvin and Laura Jarrett, that she is learning how to deal with the level of criticism she faces, particularly with people objectifying her body. (Sweeney, 2024). Many found this venture, cringe and overtly sexual. Personally, I thought it was strange, but many people within the entertainment industry have done much worse, and have not faced the same repercussions.
However, my opinion of Sweeney did change in July of 2025, when Sweeney starred in an advertisement for American Eagle. Promoting both her blue jeans and her actual genes, in an overly exaggerated accent. Many people threw stones at Sweeney solely for a cringworthy advertisement, but many also argued that there was a heavier problematic undertone. When Sweeney stated “Genes are passed down from parents to offspring, often determining traits like hair colour, personality and even eye colour,” several online critics say the advertisement alludes to eugenics, a theory popular among white supremacists, that suggests the human race could be improved by breeding out “less desirable traits”. (Hewson, 2025). Originally, I solely believed that this advertisement was cringworthy, but when I fell down the rabbit hole of how it could be deemed problematic, I began to understand the controversy. I sincerely hope that American Eagle and Sweeney didn’t intentionally take part in a problematic advertisement, and never thought that situation would blow up in the way that it has. I think the hate for Sweeney has been unwarranted. I understand that she was the face of the campaign, but she didn’t create the advertisement. Do I think the advertisement was problematic? Of course. But do I think she deserved threats? No. I believe that Sweeney and American Eagle would have welcomed some constructive criticism, rather than threats. Sweeney is still a person with feelings, and I think people often forget that famous people are still human beings. Like everyone, she can always learn and take accountability through constructive feedback.
References
Hewson, G. (2025, July 31). Sydney Sweeny and American Eagle’s advertisement controversy explained. ABC News.
Kaplan, A. (2024, March 20). Sydney Sweeney says she’s ‘trying to figure out how to deal’ with people objectifying her as a young actor. Today.
https://www.today.com/today/amp/rcna144225
Krishnan, A J R. (2025, May 30). Sydney Sweeney’s new bathwater soap has the internet divided. Wion. [Image].
SouvenirPatch. (n.d.). AUSTRALIA ABORIGINAL FLAG Patch Iron-on embroidered applique top quality. [Image].
https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/195812967/australia-aboriginal-flag-patch-iron-on
The Washington Post. (2025, August 1). Sydney Sweeney’s jeans and an American (Eagle) controversy. [Image].
LeighCor 
Elizabeth Harris