Angel Reese Calls for Boycott of American Eagle Over Sydney Sweeney Campaign

WNBA star Angel Reese has once again made headlines, this time not for her performance on the basketball court but for her outspoken criticism of a major fashion brand. The Chicago Sky forward has publicly called for a boycott of American Eagle, condemning the company’s latest ad campaign featuring actress Sydney Sweeney as “disgusting and divisive.” Her remarks, posted late Wednesday night on her verified X account (formerly Twitter), have since sparked a wave of reactions from fans, fashion insiders, and cultural commentators across the country.

The Spark Behind the Controversy

American Eagle recently rolled out a new national advertising campaign starring Euphoria actress Sydney Sweeney. With its retro Americana aesthetic, bold styling, and playful imagery, the campaign was designed to grab attention both online and on billboards nationwide. But for Reese, the messaging behind the promotion struck a nerve.

“This is NOT the America I stand for,” she wrote in a strongly worded post. “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 didn’t specify exactly what elements of the campaign she found offensive, people close to her suggested that she disapproved of both the tone and underlying themes, which critics have described as “tone-deaf in today’s climate.” Some analysts believe that Reese saw the campaign as a step backward in an era where brands are expected to be more socially conscious.

Public Reactions: Support and Criticism

Almost immediately, Reese’s comments went viral. Within hours, hashtags such as #BoycottAmericanEagle and #StandWithAngel surged into the top trends on X. Supporters praised her courage for using her platform to speak out, highlighting her consistent advocacy on social and cultural issues beyond basketball. Many pointed to her history of championing causes like women’s empowerment and pay equity in the WNBA as proof that she doesn’t shy away from difficult conversations.

On the other side, critics accused her of overreacting. Some argued that her comments unfairly targeted Sydney Sweeney, who had no role in designing or approving the campaign. “Sydney Sweeney didn’t design the campaign — she’s just the face of it,” one user commented. “Going after her personally isn’t the solution.” Others noted that American Eagle, like many fashion brands, often walks a fine line between edgy marketing and public backlash.

Silence from American Eagle and Sydney Sweeney

As of Thursday morning, neither American Eagle nor Sydney Sweeney has issued a statement in response to Reese’s boycott call. The company’s official social media accounts have continued to promote the campaign as if the controversy did not exist, though industry experts warn that silence can sometimes amplify the backlash rather than diminish it.

In today’s hyperconnected media environment, a single tweet from a public figure can have significant consequences. For a brand as visible as American Eagle, being at the center of a cultural firestorm is risky — particularly when the criticism touches on themes of representation, inclusivity, and national identity. Whether the brand chooses to respond directly or quietly ride out the controversy remains to be seen.

The Role and Risk of Athlete Activism

This is far from the first time Angel Reese has stepped into the role of activist. Known not only for her dominance on the court but also for her outspoken personality, Reese has built a reputation for using her influence to raise awareness about broader societal issues. Whether she is advocating for equal pay in women’s sports or calling out cultural trends she disagrees with, she has rarely shied away from controversy.

Media analyst Jordan Castillo weighed in on the risks of her latest move: “This is a high-visibility, high-risk stance. Athlete activism carries enormous influence, but it also invites backlash. If public sentiment shifts against Reese, it could hurt her relationship with sponsors and impact her personal brand. On the other hand, if she’s tapping into a broader frustration that others feel but haven’t voiced, her words could force American Eagle to acknowledge the criticism — or even alter the campaign.”

Athlete activism has always been a double-edged sword. From Muhammad Ali to Colin Kaepernick, sports stars have long leveraged their platforms to push cultural conversations, often facing both praise and fierce criticism. Reese’s boycott call is the latest example of how modern athletes navigate the tension between their careers and their convictions.

What Comes Next?

Whether this controversy escalates or fades will depend largely on how American Eagle, Sydney Sweeney, and Reese herself handle the coming days. If the company continues to stay silent, it risks alienating both supporters of Reese and those who agree with her criticism. If it responds, it will need to strike a delicate balance — acknowledging public concerns without undermining its campaign or the actress at the center of it.

As for Reese, the incident underscores the increasing influence athletes have in shaping public discourse beyond their sport. In an era where social media can amplify a single statement to millions, her decision to call out American Eagle highlights both the power and responsibility that come with celebrity status.

For now, the controversy serves as a reminder of how deeply intertwined sports, culture, and commerce have become — and how one athlete’s voice can shake a major brand at its core.