What began as a glossy marketing campaign has exploded into one of the most unexpected controversies of the year. WNBA superstar Brittney Griner has reportedly called for a nationwide boycott of American Eagle, accusing the fashion giant of disrespecting women with its latest decision to cast Hollywood actress Sydney Sweeney as a leading ambassador.

Có thể là hình ảnh về 2 người và văn bản cho biết '"As a woman, I feel deeply insulted, having Sydney Sweeney represent our female community is nothing short of a slap in the face" -Brittney Griner-'

In a fiery statement that spread like wildfire across social media, Griner allegedly declared: “If you love America, stop buying AE. As a woman, I feel deeply insulted that this is who they chose to represent us.” The comments have stunned fans, divided communities, and sent shockwaves through both the sports and fashion industries.

Supporters of Griner argue that the campaign reflects a narrow, outdated vision of femininity that excludes diverse representations of women. They applaud her courage for speaking out against what she perceives as harmful messaging in mainstream fashion. One fan wrote: “Griner is using her platform to stand up for every woman who feels invisible. This is bigger than clothes—this is about respect.”

But critics accuse her of overreacting and unfairly targeting Sweeney, who has become one of Hollywood’s most celebrated young stars. Social media platforms are ablaze with heated debates, with hashtags like #BoycottAE and #StandWithSydney trending side by side.

Ngôi sao của WNBA Brittney Griner cung cấp cho REFS một tai nghe trong cuộc  phỏng vấn giờ nghỉ giải lao: 'Be F --- ing Better'

For American Eagle, the backlash has turned into a PR nightmare. The brand has yet to release a formal response, though insiders claim executives are scrambling to contain the fallout. Marketing experts warn that the clash between a sports icon and a Hollywood star could evolve into a culture war that damages AE’s reputation far beyond its target audience.

Meanwhile, the WNBA finds itself unexpectedly dragged into the fray, with reporters questioning whether Griner’s stance could ripple into her career or spark tension within the league.

As the story continues to unfold, one thing is clear: what started as a fashion campaign has now erupted into a national debate about identity, representation, and the cultural power of celebrity voices.