Sharon Stone has publicly supported Sydney Sweeney during a time of controversy surrounding Sweeney’s recent American Eagle advertising campaign. The endorsement took place on October 29, 2023, at the Variety Power of Women Los Angeles event, where Stone presented an award to Sweeney, recognizing her contributions to the entertainment industry. This event coincided with heightened scrutiny of the campaign, which has drawn mixed reactions from the public and critics alike.
Controversial Campaign Under Fire
The controversy began when American Eagle launched its ad campaign featuring Sydney Sweeney with the tagline “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans.” This phrase is a play on the more common expression “great genes,” and it quickly sparked debate online. Critics accused the campaign of promoting Sweeney’s white heritage and emphasizing her physical appearance, igniting discussions about the implications of such marketing strategies.
During the event, Sharon Stone addressed the backlash while conversing with Angelique Jackson, a senior entertainment writer at Variety. Stone emphasized the importance of embracing one’s own beauty and confidence, stating, “It’s okay to use what mama gave you. It’s really fine.” She elaborated, noting the challenges of being in the public eye and the pressures to conform to societal standards of attractiveness.
A Message of Empowerment
Stone’s remarks highlighted a broader conversation about beauty standards and self-acceptance. “It’s hard to be hot, and I think we all know that,” she said. “Everybody has their own certain kind of hotness, their own certain thing, and you’re supposed to go for that. Because who are you not to be beautiful? You know, who you are isn’t an accident.”
These comments come in light of the ongoing production of the third season of Euphoria, in which both actresses star. Stone shared that during their time filming, Sweeney demonstrated resilience in the face of criticism. She noted that Sweeney remained focused on her work despite the negativity surrounding the ad, reinforcing the notion that artists must prioritize their craft over public opinion.
The support from Stone not only reinforces Sweeney’s position but also opens the door for further discussions about how celebrities navigate their public personas in an increasingly scrutinizing environment. As Sweeney continues to gain traction in her career, the dialogue surrounding her advertising choices and the reactions they evoke will likely persist.
As the entertainment industry grapples with issues of representation and marketing ethics, Sharon Stone’s defense of Sydney Sweeney serves as a reminder of the importance of self-acceptance and confidence in the face of public scrutiny. The dynamic between the two actresses, now collaborators on Euphoria, continues to evolve as they both advance in their respective careers.
