Hollywood actress Sydney Sweeney and chart-topping singer Halsey have launched a scathing public attack on fashion giant American Eagle, labelling a recent marketing campaign as 'exploitative' and revealing it was used without their full consent.
The stars, who previously fronted campaigns for the retailer, took to social media to express their fury. Sweeney, known for her roles in Euphoria and The White Lotus, posted a series of images from the controversial ad shoot on her Instagram story, vehemently stating they were "not approved by me".
She directly called out the brand's leadership, writing, "@americaneagle – I would never have done this campaign or approved these pictures if I had known this was the kind of message you wanted to send to women." The actress concluded her powerful message by accusing the brand of being "everything that is wrong with the media and advertising."
A Chorus of Disapproval
Halsey swiftly echoed Sweeney's sentiments, sharing the post to their own Instagram story with the simple but damning caption: "Not me either." This united front from two major influencers has ignited a firestorm of criticism directed at the brand's practices.
The campaign in question has been widely criticised for its perceived attempt to commodify and sexualise the concept of female empowerment for profit. The imagery, which the celebrities now disavow, has sparked a broader conversation about the ethical responsibilities brands have towards their ambassadors and their audience.
Industry Reckoning on Ethics
This public fallout highlights a growing tension between major corporations and the influencers they hire. The incident raises critical questions about creative control, contractual agreements, and the moral obligations brands must uphold in their messaging.
The backlash from Sweeney and Halsey has resonated powerfully with their millions of combined followers, many of whom have now vowed to boycott the retailer. This episode serves as a stark reminder that in the modern age, audiences value authenticity and are quick to hold brands accountable for missteps.
