Euphoria actress Sydney Sweeney has found herself in hot water after the launch of her latest venture, a bizarre bathwater-inspired soap, was met with widespread derision from fans and critics alike.
The controversy ignited when Sweeney's co-star, Jacob Elordi, playfully pranked her during a joint interview by presenting her with a jar of what he claimed was his own bathwater. Rather than dismissing the odd gift, Sweeney appeared to draw inspiration from it.
The situation escalated dramatically when Sweeney's official merchandise store began selling a 'Sydney Sweeney Bathwater Soap' for $30. The product's description, which touted it as a way to 'wash away your troubles and feel like you're bathing with Sydney,' was widely perceived as a direct and ill-advised reference to Elordi's joke.
A Torrent of Fan Fury
The internet's response was swift and merciless. Fans took to social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), to express their disbelief and criticism.
One user captured the prevailing sentiment, writing: 'This is so embarrassing and desperate... making a soap based on a joke about your bathwater is next-level cringe.' Another commented, 'She really saw Jacob's joke and thought 'how can I monetise this?'', accusing the actress of a blatant cash grab.
Many criticised the move as a tone-deaf and strange marketing ploy that missed the mark entirely, transforming a light-hearted on-screen moment into a commercial product that many found uncomfortable and odd.
From On-Screen Chemistry to Off-Screen Cringe
The incident has cast an unexpected shadow on the popular actors' dynamic, which fans had previously enjoyed. What was once seen as charming banter is now being reinterpreted through a lens of commercial opportunism.
This foray into unconventional merchandise has proven to be a significant misstep for Sweeney, sparking a conversation about the limits of celebrity branding and how stars engage with their fanbase. The backlash serves as a stark reminder that not every viral moment is a viable business opportunity.
