UPDATE: Pop star Halsey has emerged in defense of her film Americana, following a media frenzy surrounding co-star Sydney Sweeney and an advertising controversy. The film, which opened to lackluster ticket sales of just $500,000 during its debut weekend, has been overshadowed by backlash against Sweeney’s recent American Eagle jeans campaign.
In a series of now-deleted posts on Instagram, Halsey expressed her frustration with how the media has treated the film and its crew, stating it is “unfair for the news cycle to predatorily rip a hardworking director and his hardworking crew.” The singer emphasized that the film should be judged independently from the controversy surrounding Sweeney, who became a focal point after her ad campaign was criticized for allegedly promoting eugenics.
Halsey, who is making her big-screen debut in Americana, insisted that the film deserves recognition for its artistic merit. “You should go see this movie. Because Tony Tost made an exceptional film, in honor of a genre he knows intimately,” she stated. The thriller features Paul Walter Hauser as an Army veteran caught in chaos stemming from a stolen artifact.
The controversy erupted after Sweeney, who was announced as the face of American Eagle’s new campaign at the end of July, made headlines for her ad where she discusses “genes” while also promoting denim. Critics slammed the campaign for its perceived implications regarding eugenics, while others rallied to defend Sweeney, claiming her popularity points to a revival of conservative beauty standards.
Former President Donald Trump even weighed in on the situation via Truth Social, calling Sweeney’s ad the “hottest” out there. Meanwhile, Sweeney has remained silent on the backlash, although she expressed in a recent interview that she does not apologize for profiting from her image.
Halsey continued her defense on X, highlighting her concerns for the individuals behind the film: “I am upset that a bunch of non-celebrity people involved in this film are being bullied by the media.” Her emotional appeal underscores the human impact of the controversy, as dedicated crew members face undue scrutiny.
American Eagle has since defended their campaign, asserting that “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans” is focused solely on the denim. The brand’s commitment to the advertisement remains firm, despite the surrounding turmoil.
As the narrative continues to develop, audiences are left wondering how this controversy might influence future viewership for Americana. With the film’s budget at $9 million and its initial performance disheartening, the stakes are high for Halsey and her collaborators.
The situation remains fluid, with potential for further discussions and developments in the coming days. As fans and critics alike weigh in, the entertainment industry watches closely to see how this drama unfolds.
