On August 3, 2025, actress Sydney Sweeney faced heckling at the premiere of her film “Americana” at Desert 5 Spot in Hollywood. As she arrived in a black SUV wearing a pale yellow gown, a woman shouted, “Stop the ad! That is racist!” Sweeney remained composed and entered the venue with a security escort, as captured in a video obtained by TMZ.
The controversy originated from Sydney Sweeney’s recent campaign for American Eagle, which launched in July 2025. The campaign featured the tagline “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans.” Critics on TikTok and social media accused it of having eugenics implications because of the pun on “genes” and Sweeney’s image. This sparked widespread debate, and the resurgence of the ad has intensified ongoing scrutiny of her public persona.
Sydney Sweeney Gets Heckled at Film Premiere Amid American Eagle Drama https://t.co/Mrzf3520oU pic.twitter.com/wIUfXjb2fW
— TMZ (@TMZ) August 4, 2025American Eagle defended the campaign, stating it focused on “her jeans and her story,” emphasising inclusivity. Despite backlash, the controversy boosted the brand’s stock by 18%, adding $310 million in value, with items selling out quickly.
Sweeney posed on the red carpet with co-stars Halsey, Simon Rex, and director Tony Tost, avoiding further incidents. The event showcased her resilience amid controversies, but the heckling highlights a persistent public divide over her ad choices.
