Sydney Sweeney finds herself at the center of a fresh maelstrom of controversy that threatens to overshadow the cinematic premiere of her latest venture, "Americana." The 27-year-old actress, emerging from her social media hiatus to herald the crime thriller, inadvertently reignited a tempest ignited by her recent American Eagle jeans commercial. In the advertisement, Sweeney declares, "Genes are passed down from parents to offspring, often shaping traits such as hair color, personality, and even eye color. My jeans are blue," a phrase that has been savagely criticized for suggesting genetic supremacy and nurturing racial undertones through a clever yet contentious play on words between "jeans" and "genes."
The furor intensified when news broke of Sweeney's registration as a Republican in Florida, garnering endorsements from figures such as President Donald Trump, who lauded the advertisement as "fantastic" on Truth Social. American Eagle, in an Instagram statement, steadfastly stood its ground, asserting, "'Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans' has always been, and will forever be, about celebrating the jeans – her jeans, her story. We continue to extol how individuals confidently rock their AE jeans, in their unique flair. Great jeans enhance everyone."
Nonetheless, the aftermath witnessed a 9% decline in foot traffic at American Eagle outlets within two weeks post-campaign, signaling widespread consumer discontent.
Directed by Tony Tost, "Americana" embarks on a tumultuous quest for a Native American artifact known as the "ghost shirt" in South Dakota, co-starring Halsey, Paul Walter Hauser, and Simon Rex. However, the film's narrative has been overshadowed by the advertising uproar, with some labeling Sweeney as emblematic of problematic marketing tactics. Reviews for "Americana" are polarized, with Deadline's Valerie Complex praising its "ingenious script" and "an engaging ensemble," whereas The Daily Beast's Nick Schager panned it as "a dull, uninspired neo-noir with a rural twist."
Some fans have called for a boycott of the film, with one user reminiscing, "Remember that controversial ad for American Eagle?" Another expressed fury, "Great, I won't be watching it," while a third lamented, "I was a huge admirer until she allowed herself to be used as propaganda." Conversely, defenders have rallied with unwavering support, proclaiming messages such as, "They could never sway my admiration for you, Sydney," and "Do you, Sydney! Don't let the haters dim your shine!"
