Sydney Sweeney Faces Backlash Over Bathwater Soap and Actor Allegations
Sydney Sweeney's Bathwater Fiasco: The A-List Actress Tries to Shift Blame, But Fans Aren't Having It
Sydney Sweeney, the actress known for her roles in HBO's "Euphoria" and "The White Lotus," has found herself at the center of yet another controversy. This time, it's not just about her acting chops or her sizzling physique – but about a rather...unconventional product she's been peddling: bathwater soap.
Last month, Sweeney partnered with men's grooming brand Dr. Squatch to release a limited-edition batch of bar soaps that contained her actual bathwater in them. Yes, you read that right – bathwater. The product sold out in seconds, but the response was far from enthusiastic. Many fans and critics alike called it "creepy," while others were simply baffled by the concept.
Sweeney attempted to defend her bathwater creation in a recent interview with The Wall Street Journal, citing an example of another celebrity who'd been involved in a similar product: Jacob Elordi's infamous "bathwater candle." But fans weren't buying it – and neither was Elordi himself.
The controversy surrounding the "Jacob Elordi's Bathwater" candle began back in January 2024, when the brand Side Hustle Vibes released a candle inspired by a sultry scene from Elordi's movie "Saltburn." The candle didn't contain his actual bathwater, but rather was meant to evoke the essence of his on-screen character. It came in three different scents: vanilla, comfort spice, and sea breeze.
Sweeney's attempt to deflect attention from her own product by pointing out that Elordi wasn't involved in its sale or promotion fell flat with fans. Many felt she was throwing her co-star under the bus – and alienating her female fanbase in the process.
"I'm not sure what's more disturbing, Sydney Sweeney trying to shift blame onto Jacob Elordi for selling a bathwater candle he didn't even endorse, or that people actually bought bathwater soap from her," wrote one disgruntled fan on X (formerly Twitter).
Another fan chimed in: "No one thinks this is a good idea. It's disgusting – and it's not like the candle was actually made with Jacob Elordi's bathwater, either."
However, not all fans were convinced by Sweeney's attempt to deflect criticism. Some argued that there's a double standard at play here – where women are quick to call out men for their marketing missteps, but tend to be more forgiving when it comes to female celebrities.
"The double standard is real," wrote one fan. "We'd be outraged if men criticized women this way, but somehow it's acceptable in reverse."
But not everyone was on board with Sweeney's defense. Another critic pointed out: "Just because Jacob Elordi wasn't involved in the sale of his bathwater candle doesn't mean Sydney Sweeney should try to use him as a scapegoat for her own product's controversy."
This isn't the first time Sweeney has been embroiled in controversy, however. Just weeks ago, she was at the center of another firestorm over her American Eagle denim campaign – which featured her proudly proclaiming: "My genes are blue." The ad was widely criticized for its tone-deaf marketing move, with many accusing it of being a racialized dog whistle.
Sweeney didn't address this controversy in her recent interview with The Wall Street Journal. But based on the backlash she's received over both products, it seems safe to say that fans aren't exactly thrilled with her attempts to shift blame – or to peddle products that are, shall we say, a bit unorthodox.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story!
