Halsey criticizes boycott of new film amid actress' jeans ad scandal

Halsey Defends Film Amid Boycott Over Co-Star's Ad

The singer Halsey took to social media to defend her new film "Americana" after facing a boycott from fans due to her co-star Sydney Sweeney's controversial American Eagle jeans ad. The crime thriller features Halsey and Sweeney as two women entangled in a battle over a stolen Native American artifact. Despite debuting in theaters on August 15, the film underperformed, earning only $500,000 against a reported $9 million budget.

Fans expressed intentions to avoid the movie following Sweeney's involvement in an American Eagle ad that some viewers found controversial. Halsey, in response, urged her followers on Instagram to watch "Americana," emphasizing the work of the director, Tony Tost. She defended the film and its crew, distancing it from the ad controversy.

While Halsey supported the film and its director, she refrained from explicitly defending her co-star Sydney Sweeney, who remained silent amid the backlash. The situation sparked discussions among fans on social media platforms, with some supporting Halsey's stance.

Sweeney, who had been at the center of a debate over her American Eagle campaign, chose not to address the controversy directly. Instead, she promoted "Americana" on social media just before its theater release, showcasing behind-the-scenes images from the movie.

The American Eagle ad featuring Sweeney sparked accusations of promoting racial undertones and eugenics due to its tagline, "Sydney Sweeney has great jeans." The company clarified that the campaign was solely about the jeans and Sweeney's story, aiming to celebrate how everyone wears their jeans with confidence.

Despite the ongoing controversy, Sweeney maintained her silence, prompting discussions among PR experts about the risks and implications of her approach. Some experts highlighted the importance of timely and authentic responses in such situations, emphasizing the need for accountability and direct communication from the involved parties.