Angel Reese Ignites Firestorm—Calls for American Eagle Boycott, Blasts Sydney Sweeney Ad as “Disgusting and Divisive”
WNBA star Angel Reese has ignited a heated debate after calling for a boycott of American Eagle, sharply criticizing the brand’s latest ad campaign featuring actress Sydney Sweeney. Reese’s comments, posted late last night on her verified X (formerly Twitter) account, have sparked a firestorm of reactions from fans, fashion insiders, and cultural commentators.
The Flashpoint: American Eagle’s New Campaign
American Eagle recently unveiled a high-profile marketing campaign starring Euphoria actress Sydney Sweeney. The campaign, characterized by a retro Americana aesthetic and playful, provocative styling, has been widely promoted across social media and billboards nationwide. While the campaign was designed to capture attention and celebrate youthful American style, it quickly became a lightning rod for controversy.
Angel Reese’s Criticism
For Angel Reese, the campaign’s imagery and messaging crossed a line. In a pointed post, she declared:
“This is NOT the America I stand for. American Eagle’s decision to push this campaign is disgusting and divisive. We deserve brands that unite, not pit people against each other. I won’t wear their clothes again, and neither should you.”
While Reese did not specify exactly which elements of the campaign offended her, sources close to the athlete suggest she was troubled by both the tone and underlying themes of the shoot. Some critics have echoed her concerns, describing the campaign as “tone-deaf in today’s climate.”
Backlash and Support
Reese’s call for a boycott quickly gained traction online. Hashtags such as #BoycottAmericanEagle and #StandWithAngel began trending, as supporters praised her for speaking out and using her platform to address broader social and cultural issues.
However, not everyone agreed with Reese’s stance. Critics accused her of overreacting and unfairly targeting Sweeney, who is simply the face of the campaign, not its creator. As one commenter noted, “Sydney Sweeney didn’t design the campaign — she’s just the face of it. Going after her personally isn’t the solution.”
Silence from American Eagle and Sydney Sweeney
As of Thursday morning, neither American Eagle nor Sydney Sweeney had issued a public response to Reese’s remarks. The brand’s official social media channels continued to promote the campaign, making no reference to the controversy brewing online.
Industry observers note that in today’s hyper-connected media landscape, even a single tweet from a high-profile athlete like Reese can have significant repercussions for major brands, especially when it taps into larger conversations about representation, messaging, and cultural sensitivity.
The Power and Risk of Athlete Activism
Angel Reese is no stranger to controversy, known for her outspoken nature both on and off the basketball court. She has previously used her influence to advocate for causes such as WNBA pay equity and broader cultural issues. Her willingness to speak out, even at personal risk, has earned her both admiration and criticism.
Media analyst Jordan Castillo commented, “This is a high-visibility, high-risk move. If public sentiment swings against her, it could alienate sponsors and create lasting brand tension. But if she taps into a broader feeling of discontent, she could force American Eagle to respond — or even alter the campaign.”
What Happens Next?
The controversy underscores the increasing power — and risk — of athlete activism in shaping public discourse and influencing major brands. Whether American Eagle will respond or make changes to its campaign remains to be seen. For now, Angel Reese’s bold stance has ensured that the conversation around representation, messaging, and unity in advertising is far from over.
