Sharon Stone defends Sydney Sweeney over American Eagle ad backlash, says it's okay to be hot

Sharon Stone supports Sydney Sweeney amid backlash over American Eagle ad, emphasizing confidence

Sharon Stone has publicly defended Sydney Sweeney after the Euphoria star faced backlash over her involvement in American Eagle’s controversial ad campaign. Speaking at Variety’s Power of Women event in Los Angeles on Wednesday, Stone expressed her support for Sweeney’s confidence, stating that “it’s OK to be hot.” The actress dismissed the criticism surrounding the ad, where Sweeney was featured with the slogan “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans,” which some critics argued promoted a narrow, idealized beauty standard.

Stone, who has been working with Sweeney on the third season of Euphoria, emphasized the importance of embracing one's own “hotness” and using it to one’s advantage. She also shared a story about famed primatologist Jane Goodall, who was criticized for a magazine cover showing her legs, and how Goodall responded by saying her appearance helped raise funds for her research.

Sweeney responded with humor, remarking that her ad campaign had “probably made a billion dollars for the jeans company,” adding, “I’m good with that” and confident in her future opportunities. Despite the criticism, the American Eagle campaign was a commercial success, with the brand's stock rising by 12%, adding $228 million to its market value.

Stone also praised Sweeney’s professional demeanor and confidence, noting that the young actress had been a joy to work with on Euphoria. Director Paul Feig, who worked with Sweeney on The Housemaid, similarly dismissed the backlash, calling it “manufactured” and lauding Sweeney as “one of the most confident people” he has met.