The British actress Aimee Lou Wood has publicly criticized her fellow The White Lotus star Sydney Sweeney regarding Sweeney's involvement in a contentious American Eagle campaign. The campaign was accused of carrying racist undertones.
Australian-born Sydney Sweeney participated in an American Eagle ad launched under the slogan “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans.” The campaign sparked backlash due to implications that some perceived as promoting racial superiority.
“Presuming that you are not a white supremacist, at least say how horrified you were by how this campaign was amplified and celebrated by unrepentant racists who believe in eugenics,” said Misan Harriman, the Nigerian-born British photographer known for shooting celebrities such as Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, Rihanna, and Tom Cruise.
“At least recognise the harm your jeans campaign has caused black folk. The undertone of the campaign is that your genetics are superior to others - the play on words is clear as day and racists LOVED it! So, presuming you didn’t know when you shot it, you certainly do now, and it matters.”
Harriman shared a clip from Sweeney’s GQ interview, in which she appeared to dismiss the criticism directed at the campaign.
Aimee Lou Wood, 31, expressed disapproval of Sydney Sweeney’s response to the controversy, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging the campaign’s negative impact.
The debate highlights tensions around marketing campaigns and the significance of understanding racial sensitivities in media representation.
Author's summary: Aimee Lou Wood criticized Sydney Sweeney for downplaying the racial controversy of her American Eagle campaign, stressing the importance of recognizing its harmful impact.