The actress broke her social media silence to promote her new film *Americana*, sharing behind-the-scenes photos from the crime thriller. This marks her first post since facing backlash over her American Eagle ad campaign.
**Ad Sparks Accusations of Racism**
Critics claimed the denim commercial—featuring the tagline “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans”—implied genetic superiority due to its play on “genes.” The ad, showcasing the blonde, blue-eyed star, drew comparisons to controversial 1980s campaigns.
**Mixed Reactions Online**
While some fans defended Sweeney, others vowed to boycott *Americana*. “They hate her because she’s hot,” one supporter wrote, while critics called the ad “propaganda.” American Eagle denied racial undertones, insisting the campaign celebrated denim, not eugenics.
**Film Faces Critical Divide**
Set for release August 15, *Americana* follows a violent hunt for a Native American artifact. Reviews range from scathing (“a copycat Coen Brothers yarn”) to positive praise for its “gallows humor and big heart.”
**Scandal Overshadows Premiere**
Foot traffic at American Eagle dropped 9% post-controversy, per Forbes. Sweeney avoided addressing the backlash during recent promotional events, focusing instead on her character Penny Jo Poplin.
**Star-Studded Cast**
The film features Halsey, Simon Rex, and Zahn McClarnon. Despite mixed reception, some critics highlighted Sweeney’s performance and the director’s restrained approach.
**Ongoing Fallout**
As *Americana* hits theaters, the ad scandal continues to dominate conversations about Sweeney—proving even denim campaigns can become cultural flashpoints.
