Rosie O’Donnell Slams American Eagle’s Sydney Sweeney Campaign — Vows to Reject Every Deal With the Brand
Comedian and actress Rosie O’Donnell has made it clear she would refuse any sponsorship deals with American Eagle, taking aim at the brand’s recent marketing campaign featuring actress Sydney Sweeney. O’Donnell’s remarks, shared in a candid social media discussion, have sparked conversation about the effectiveness and authenticity of celebrity endorsements in modern advertising.
O’Donnell’s Stance on Celebrity Partnerships
During her online discussion, O’Donnell addressed the growing prevalence of celebrity-driven brand collaborations. While acknowledging that such partnerships are popular and often lucrative, she expressed her personal reservations about aligning with American Eagle, specifically criticizing their latest campaign.
“I wouldn’t take their sponsorship,” O’Donnell stated. “The whole Sydney Sweeney campaign feels tone-deaf and out of touch.”
The Sydney Sweeney Campaign
American Eagle launched its campaign with Euphoria star Sydney Sweeney earlier this year, showcasing her as the face of the brand’s new collection. The campaign was designed to highlight youthful energy and leverage Sweeney’s rising star power.
Although the campaign received praise from some quarters for its polished aesthetic and appeal to younger consumers, it also faced criticism. Detractors—including O’Donnell—argued that the campaign appeared overly manufactured and failed to reflect the brand’s traditional emphasis on inclusivity and authenticity.
Broader Debate on Celebrity Endorsements
O’Donnell’s comments have added fuel to an ongoing debate about the value and impact of celebrity endorsements in advertising. As consumers increasingly seek transparency, representation, and genuine connection from the brands they support, questions have arisen about whether celebrity-led campaigns truly resonate or simply serve as marketing gloss.
No Response from American Eagle or Sydney Sweeney
As of now, neither American Eagle nor Sydney Sweeney has publicly responded to Rosie O’Donnell’s criticism. The conversation around the campaign—and the broader issues it raises—continues to unfold across social media and in industry circles.
Rosie O’Donnell’s public refusal to work with American Eagle, coupled with her critique of the Sydney Sweeney campaign, highlights ongoing concerns about authenticity in celebrity advertising. The response from the brand and Sweeney remains to be seen, as the debate about representation and transparency in marketing persists.