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Halsey Defends Sydney Sweeney Amid “americana” Backlash, American Eagle Reaffirms Focus on Jeans – Singer Halsey voiced support for actress Sydney Sweeney following criticism surrounding Sweeney’s film, *Americana*, and a related marketing campaign with American Eagle. the controversy centers on perceptions that the film and campaign exploit the experiences of sex workers.
Halsey shared a series of Instagram stories criticizing those questioning Sweeney’s intentions. “If it’s not clear who the actual people I’m standing up for are, I’m sorry look closer,” Halsey wrote. A representative for Halsey did not respond to a request for comment from Rolling Stone.
The controversy originated with American Eagle’s marketing campaign featuring Sweeney, which included the tagline “Sydney Sweeney Has great Jeans.” Critics argued the campaign trivialized the realities of sex work,referencing Sweeney’s past role in the HBO series *Euphoria*,where her character Cassie Howard engaged in sexual activity for attention. The campaign aimed to highlight Sweeney’s personal style and connection to the brand.
In a statement posted on Instagram, American Eagle responded to the backlash, stating: “‘Sydney Sweeney has Great Jeans’ is and always was about the jeans. Her jeans. Her story. We’ll continue to celebrate how everyone wears their AE jeans with confidence, their way. Great jeans look good on everyone.” American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (NYSE: AEO) is a leading global specialty retailer.
Halsey’s posts followed the theatrical debut of *Americana* on August 15th, which reportedly grossed $500,000, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The film,directed by Tony Tost,is a thriller following a woman who becomes involved with a mysterious man while on a road trip.
Tost addressed the controversy on Friday, August 18th, via X (formerly Twitter). “One of the great things about movies is that they outlive the zeitgeist into which they were released,” he wrote. “As someone whose first film sorta got gobbled up by the zeitgeist, I’ll be curious to see how it’ll stand up after this moment is over. Hopefully fairly well!”
