Attack intensifies: Sydney Sweeney’s career threatened after American Eagle ad accused of “disrespecting Black culture,” Angel Reese angrily calls for boycott, and her 7-word message leaves a huge impact on Sweeney.

Sydney Sweeney, one of Hollywood’s fastest rising stars, is facing the most serious controversy of her career after a new ad campaign with American Eagle sparked outrage across social media. What was meant to be a polished fashion collaboration quickly spiraled into a firestorm of accusations, with critics claiming the campaign “disrespects Black culture” through its styling, imagery, and tone. The backlash has been swift, fierce, and personal, placing Sweeney in the middle of a cultural debate that could damage her image and career momentum.

The commercial in question featured Sweeney in denim streetwear-inspired outfits that many online critics say borrowed heavily from historically Black fashion trends but stripped them of their cultural meaning. Several viral posts accused the brand and the actress of engaging in cultural appropriation while profiting off a style that Black creators and communities built over decades. Instead of celebrating the origins, detractors argued, the campaign presented the look as trendy and edgy only because it was being worn by a white actress with mainstream appeal.

Among the many voices weighing in, WNBA star Angel Reese delivered perhaps the sharpest blow. Known for her unapologetic presence both on and off the court, Reese called out the ad directly on X, demanding accountability and urging her followers to boycott American Eagle until they take action. What stunned many was the way she ended her post with a concise, seven-word message aimed directly at Sydney Sweeney: “Stop stealing and start respecting our culture.” That brief but pointed statement has since been shared thousands of times, making it one of the defining lines in the unfolding controversy.

Sweeney herself has remained largely silent, but insiders claim she and her team are scrambling behind the scenes to manage the fallout. The timing could not be worse for the actress, who is juggling multiple projects and endorsements. Hollywood’s endorsement ecosystem is notoriously fragile, and even a hint of cultural insensitivity can send brands running in fear of reputational damage. American Eagle has also faced mounting pressure to issue an official apology or clarify its intent, though so far the company has only released a vague statement saying it “values diversity and inclusivity.” That half-hearted response has done little to quell the outrage.

The intensity of the criticism has surprised even seasoned industry watchers. Sweeney, often celebrated for her bubbly persona and glamorous appearances, is not someone typically associated with controversy. Yet this episode reveals how quickly public opinion can shift, especially when cultural appropriation becomes the accusation. For some, the problem is less about Sweeney herself and more about the broader system of corporations commodifying Black culture while ignoring its roots. For others, however, the actress bears personal responsibility because she chose to front the campaign and profit from it.

The long-term impact on Sweeney’s career remains uncertain, but the controversy has clearly left its mark. Fans and detractors alike are watching closely to see whether she apologizes, doubles down, or distances herself from American Eagle entirely. Angel Reese’s message, though brief, crystallized the frustration of many and elevated the discussion from a marketing mishap to a cultural flashpoint. Whether Sweeney can weather this storm or whether it permanently alters her trajectory will depend on her next moves, but one thing is clear: the attack has intensified, and her career hangs in the balance.