Angel Reese vs. Sydney Sweeney: American Eagle Ad Campaign Sparks Boycott Calls and Culture Clash

The fashion world and the sports world collided this week when WNBA star Angel Reese took aim at American Eagle’s latest ad campaign featuring actress Sydney Sweeney. Reese’s sharp criticism — calling the campaign “disrespectful to Black culture” — has ignited a firestorm of debate, raising questions about cultural representation, celebrity endorsements, and the power of public backlash.

The Spark

American Eagle rolled out its new campaign with Sydney Sweeney, one of Hollywood’s fastest-rising stars. But what was intended to be a glossy, youth-focused promotion quickly backfired. Reese, never one to shy away from controversy, blasted the campaign publicly, accusing the brand of perpetuating harmful stereotypes and erasing cultural contributions.

💬 “This is disrespectful to Black culture. Brands have to do better,” Reese reportedly stated.

Her words struck a nerve — not just among her fans, but across social media platforms where the call for accountability spread like wildfire.

A Call for Boycott

Reese went beyond criticism; she called for action. Encouraging fans to boycott American Eagle, she tapped into her growing influence as one of the most visible athletes in the WNBA. Almost immediately, hashtags like #BoycottAmericanEagle and #StandWithAngel began trending.

For Reese, the issue isn’t just one ad — it’s about systemic problems in how fashion brands represent culture. Her stance has been praised by those who see her as using her platform for justice, while others accuse her of unfairly targeting Sweeney, who may not have had control over the campaign’s creative direction.

Sydney Sweeney in the Crossfire

Caught in the middle is Sydney Sweeney, whose name is now tied to a controversy she didn’t directly create. Sweeney has been celebrated for her acting talent and skyrocketing career, but Reese’s critique threatens to tarnish her image.

Could this mark the beginning of serious backlash for Sweeney? Some media outlets are already speculating that her brand partnerships and rising endorsements may be at risk if the controversy continues to snowball.

Fans Divided

The reaction has been polarizing:

• Supporters of Reese applaud her courage, saying she’s unafraid to call out injustice even against major corporations.

• Fans of Sweeney argue she is unfairly being used as a scapegoat, with some defending her as simply an actress fulfilling a contract.

One Twitter user wrote: “Angel Reese is right — fashion keeps profiting off Black culture without respect.” Another countered: “Sydney Sweeney is not responsible for ad executives’ decisions. Leave her out of it.”

The Bigger Picture

This controversy highlights the growing intersection between sports, entertainment, and activism. Reese’s voice — amplified by her WNBA stardom — carries weight, especially among younger audiences who demand authenticity from brands. Meanwhile, the incident raises questions about the accountability of celebrities in campaigns they front: should they be held responsible for the messaging, or only the brands themselves?

What’s Next for American Eagle?

As calls for boycott grow louder, American Eagle faces mounting pressure to respond. Will they defend their creative vision, apologize, or attempt to pivot by collaborating with figures who can repair the damage? Their next move could determine whether the brand weathers the storm or suffers lasting damage.

The Bottom Line

This is more than a spat between a basketball star and a Hollywood actress. It’s a flashpoint in the ongoing cultural debate about representation, respect, and responsibility in advertising. Angel Reese has made her stance clear: brands must be accountable, and silence is not an option.

As for Sydney Sweeney, her rising career faces its first major crossroads — one where the fallout may extend far beyond fashion and into the trajectory of her stardom.