Sydney Sweeney, an A-list actress and confirmed Republican, has made waves. Her new ad campaign for American Eagle’s jeans line is the crux of this argument. That hasn’t prevented some critics from being disappointed with the campaign. President Donald Trump has even weighed in, complimenting Sweeney and calling her ad the “HOTTEST ad in the world.”
The ad, which features Sweeney strutting around in American Eagle’s denim products, has sparked confusing praise and backlash from online audiences. Critics have primarily focused on the body shaming of the actress and the overall negative messaging of the campaign. Even with the controversy, Sweeney’s partnership with a brand widely loved in pop culture has generated tremendous interest and debate on social media, traditional media and beyond.
To demonstrate his support, Trump jumped on social media to praise Sweeney’s efforts. He stated, “Sydney Sweeney, a registered Republican, has the HOTTEST ad out there,” expressing his approval of her advertising efforts. As she left the stage, he sent her off with a rousing call to action. “Go get ‘em, Sydney!” he said, without reservation, offering his most spirited support as the debate continued.
The relationship between celebrity culture and political identity has been the subject of intense attention in recent years. Sweeney’s political affiliation as a registered Republican had some in Hollywood raising their eyebrows, where staunch liberal ideology reigns supreme. For example, this new ad campaign highlighting her victories in the fashion industry. It further equips her to cut through the noise and have nuanced conversations about political ideology and public sentiment.
As business or arts or philanthropic leaders speak out about political party X or Y, the risk of backlash increases. Sweeney’s predicament serves as a cautionary tale on the thin line celebrities walk when it comes to their business investments and individual convictions. Her ad’s reception is a cautionary tale about the power of toxic public discourse to shape and destroy individual careers.
