Angel Reese Sets the Record Straight on Rumors About Criticizing Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle Campaign

Angel Reese, the dynamic forward for the LSU women’s basketball team and one of the most prominent young stars in women’s sports, recently addressed a bizarre rumor circulating online. The rumor claimed that Reese had publicly criticized Sydney Sweeney’s viral American Eagle ad campaign, which debuted in July 2025 and immediately sparked social media debates. Some called the ad tone-deaf, while others saw it as harmless marketing — but Reese’s name somehow got dragged into the controversy.

The false story gained traction after Sweeney mentioned the backlash during a GQ interview for her upcoming film Christy, a biopic about boxer Christy Martin. Soon after, social media posts falsely suggested that Reese had called out American Eagle for casting Sweeney, implying that Reese and other Black athletes, including Chicago Sky star Angel Reese herself, were better suited for the campaign. One fabricated quote attributed to Reese even went viral: “Jeans were invented by us, for us. It’s a Black legacy.”

Despite the post being deleted, it had already spread widely, particularly on X (formerly Twitter). Fans and users tried to debunk it using features like Community Notes, but the rumor refused to die.

A fan from South Carolina, identifying as a Gamecocks supporter, confronted Reese online, accusing her of making the comment. Reese didn’t hesitate to set the record straight:
“Hey Gary, did you ever think that might be made up?” she wrote. “Being from SC, I thought you’d know better than anyone that I didn’t say anything like that. Now you’re just falling for anything online… and it shows.”

Handling Online Trolls and Rage-Bait

Reese’s response to the American Eagle rumor comes in the midst of her becoming the target of playful “rage-bait” online content. Last week, it was announced that LSU will face UConn on November 24, 2026, at the Basketball Hall of Fame Women’s Showcase at the Mohegan Sun Arena. Following LSU’s close championship loss to UConn last season, some online critics tried to stir drama by suggesting the Tigers were avoiding the Huskies this year.

Reese responded with her signature mix of wit and confidence:
“We’ve played UConn for years, and now some are saying we’re ducking them? Come on. Scheduling conflicts happen — UConn has more conference games this season, so the home-and-home just didn’t work out. People love drama, I guess.”

The post sparked laughs among fans, while rival supporters quickly realized the “ducking” claims were more about creating clicks than any real criticism.

Focus on the Game

Amid online rumors and trolling, Reese has remained firmly focused on basketball. LSU’s next big test is against Clemson, a rivalry game that always draws national attention. UConn, meanwhile, faces Loyola. For Reese, the court is where her voice matters most — through her leadership, play, and consistency, she continues to set the standard for athletes in women’s sports.

By addressing the false claims head-on, Reese not only dispelled misinformation but also demonstrated the poise and resilience that make her one of the most compelling figures in collegiate athletics today.