Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · August 23, 2025 · Entertainment

Sydney Sweeney's Jeans Controversy: Matt Rife Steps In to Defend the Actress

Canceled comedian Matt Rife, 29, came to Sydney Sweeney's defense following her American Eagle ad backlash; seen in January in Beverly Hills

Scandal Alert: Sydney Sweeney's Ad Controversy Reignites

It seems like Sydney Sweeney can't catch a break! The 29-year-old actress is facing backlash once again for her latest ad campaign with American Eagle, and this time, it's getting ugly.

The controversy began when Sydney appeared in a series of ads promoting the clothing brand's new denim line. However, some social media users took to Twitter to slam the actress for what they claimed was "Nazi propaganda" and "woke nonsense." The hashtag #SydneySweeneyHasGreatJeans quickly went viral as fans and critics alike weighed in on the ad.

Some social media users slammed the campaign and labeled it as 'Nazi propaganda,' while other fans branded the woke backlash as 'unhinged'

But Sydney isn't taking it lying down! In a recent interview with The Wall Street Journal, the Euphoria star explained that she's not just cashing in on her over-sexualized image – she's actually thinking strategically about how to use her platform. "I think it's important to have a finger on the pulse of what people are saying," she said. "Everything is a conversation with the audience."

But things took a turn when Matt Rife, a comedian who's been in hot water himself after starring in an ad for E.l.f. Cosmetics, jumped to Sydney's defense on Twitter. The 29-year-old comic wrote: "I keep seeing people mad at Sydney Sweeney for noooothing... She's learning that the internet is full of absolute garbage losers who will twist anything you say into a c*y misinterpretation people are awful."

Matt has been in his own share of controversies, including making a domestic violence joke during his 2023 Netflix special Natural Selection. In response to the backlash, he linked to a website that offered helmets for those with disabilities.

'I keep seeing people mad at Sydney Sweeney for noooothing,' Rife wrote. 'She's learning that the internet is full of absolute garbage losers who will twist anything you say into a c***y misinterpretation people are awful'

Meanwhile, Sydney's latest movie, Americana, is bombing at the box office after its release on August 15. The film's writer and director, Tony Tost, took to Twitter to defend the project, saying: "One of the great things about movies is that they outlive the zeitgeist into which they were released."

But what really has fans talking is Sydney's recent collaboration with Dr. Squatch, for which she sold a limited-edition line of soap allegedly infused with her own bathwater. When asked if she was thinking strategically when it comes to sultry or provocative campaigns, Sydney replied: "Yes. Very."

The actress recently registered to vote in Monroe County, Florida, and has been linked to the Republican Party of Florida through public voter records viewed by The Scholarly Note.

Sydney was later defended by American Eagle as the company released a statement amid the backlash

The backlash against Sydney's American Eagle ads may be far from over, but one thing is clear – this Euphoria star isn't afraid to speak her mind!

The Fallout Continues: A Breakdown of the Controversy

  • Sydney Sweeney's American Eagle Ads: The controversy began when Sydney appeared in a series of ads promoting American Eagle's new denim line. Some social media users took to Twitter to slam the actress for what they claimed was "Nazi propaganda" and "woke nonsense."
  • Matt Rife's Defense: Matt Rife, a comedian who's been in hot water himself after starring in an ad for E.l.f. Cosmetics, jumped to Sydney's defense on Twitter.
  • Americana's Box Office Bombing: Sydney's latest movie, Americana, is bombing at the box office after its release on August 15.
  • Dr. Squatch Collaboration: Sydney recently collaborated with Dr. Squatch, for which she sold a limited-edition line of soap allegedly infused with her own bathwater.

Earlier this week, the actress hit back at critics who claim she is cashing in on an over-sexualized image; seen earlier this month in LA

The Drama Unfolds: A Timeline of Events

  1. American Eagle releases its new denim campaign featuring Sydney Sweeney
  2. Social media users begin slamming the actress for what they claim is "Nazi propaganda" and "woke nonsense"
  3. Matt Rife defends Sydney on Twitter, calling out the internet trolls and misinterpreters
  4. Sydney's latest movie, Americana, bombs at the box office after its release on August 15
  5. The actress recently collaborated with Dr. Squatch, selling a limited-edition line of soap allegedly infused with her own bathwater

The Real Tea: What We Can Learn from This Controversy

'It was mainly the girls making comments about it, which I thought was really interesting,' the actress said in response to the backlash over Dr. Squatch soap she advertised that allegedly is infused with her real bathwater. 'They all loved the idea of Jacob Elordi's bathwater'

  • Social Media is a Double-Edged Sword: While social media can be a powerful tool for spreading awareness and mobilizing action, it can also be used to spread misinformation and incite hate.
  • Celebrities Must Be Careful with Their Endorsements: Sydney's American Eagle ads have sparked controversy, but her recent collaboration with Dr. Squatch has raised eyebrows as well.
  • The Internet is a Wild West: The internet can be a breeding ground for trolls and haters, and even the most well-intentioned celebrities can fall victim to online backlash.

What Do You Think? Share Your Thoughts in the Comments!

Are you Team Sydney or do you think she went too far with her American Eagle ads? Let us know in the comments below!

Sydney recently starred in the crime thriller titled Americana, which has bombed at the box office after its release on August 15

Matt has faced backlash of his own after he recently starred in an ad for the beauty brand E.l.f. Cosmetics

And Matt's appearance in the latest ad for E.l.f outraged some fans, prompting the company to issue an apology