Zendaya has reportedly distanced herself from Sydney Sweeney amid growing backlash over the actor’s controversial American Eagle jeans ad. The ad, which was released in summer, has been criticized for appearing to promote white racial superiority.
Sources say Zendaya, Sweeney’s co-star on the HBO teen drama “Euphoria,” is refusing to do press with Sweeney for the upcoming Season 3 release. The two actors were once close friends, but Zendaya reportedly disagrees with Sweeney’s political views, including her support for Donald Trump and her registration as a Republican.
A source told reporters that Zendaya’s decision is understandable. “Even standing next to Sydney on the red carpet could be read as excusing her views on Trump and the ad controversy,” the source said.
The ad controversy has also reportedly impacted Sweeney’s new sports biopic, “Christy.” The film, which tells the story of boxer Christy Martin, earned only $1.3 million over its opening weekend on more than 2,000 screens. Critics suggest the ad backlash may have contributed to the film’s poor box office performance.
Sweeney’s ad featured the slogan, “Sydney Sweeney has great jeans,” which many interpreted as a play on the idea of “great genes” associated with whiteness. Critics accused the ad of promoting eugenics and racial superiority. While the controversy drew criticism from progressive audiences, Sweeney found support among some conservatives, including former President Donald Trump.
In a recent GQ interview, Sweeney was asked about the backlash. She said she preferred to focus on her work and claimed the ad was only about denim and confidence. “I mean, the reaction was definitely a surprise, but I love jeans. All I wear are jeans. I’m literally in jeans and a T-shirt every day of my life,” she said.
Her response did not sit well with fans or fellow actors, who interpreted it as a refusal to acknowledge the racial undertones of the ad. Critics argue that Sweeney missed an opportunity to condemn white supremacy or clarify her message.
Zendaya’s decision is consistent with her outspoken political stance. The actor, who has mixed-race heritage, has publicly opposed Trump in the past. In 2020, she shared an Instagram post about voting rights, urging followers to vote him out.
Other celebrities have also expressed disapproval. British actor Dan Stevens reshared a social media post claiming that refusing to take a stance on white supremacy is equivalent to supporting it. Aimee Lou Wood of HBO’s “The White Lotus” reacted to posts about Sweeney’s ad with a vomiting emoji. Content creator Jupiter Baal also criticized Sweeney on Instagram, suggesting she had a chance to address the controversy but chose not to.
Zendaya’s stance underscores how public figures’ political views can influence professional relationships in Hollywood. Fans and critics alike are watching closely as the “Euphoria” stars navigate the fallout from the ad, which continues to spark heated debate online.
As the Season 3 release approaches, it remains unclear how the tension between Zendaya and Sweeney will affect promotional events. What is evident is that the ad controversy has had a significant ripple effect, impacting careers, films, and celebrity alliances.
