Rosie O’Donnell Rejects American Eagle Over Sydney Sweeney Campaign

Comedian, actress, and outspoken media personality Rosie O’Donnell has made it clear she won’t be wearing American Eagle jeans — and she certainly won’t accept a sponsorship from the brand, even if one were offered.

Speaking openly about her stance, O’Donnell criticized the company’s recent advertising campaign featuring actress Sydney Sweeney, calling it “disgusting” and “divisive.” The campaign, launched earlier this month, was marketed as a celebration of confidence and authenticity, but has drawn a mixed public reaction.

“I can’t support that — not even close,” O’Donnell reportedly said, without specifying which parts of the campaign she found objectionable.

Celebrity Pushback
This isn’t O’Donnell’s first time taking a public stand against a brand or public figure. Throughout her career, she’s been known for voicing strong opinions, particularly on issues of representation, media influence, and social justice. Her latest comments put her alongside other celebrities who have recently spoken out against marketing they believe sends the wrong message.

Sweeney’s Role in the Campaign
Sydney Sweeney, star of Euphoria and The White Lotus, has quickly become one of Hollywood’s most in-demand young talents. Her partnership with American Eagle was intended to highlight individuality and bold self-expression, but some critics, like O’Donnell, view the imagery and tone as polarizing.

Public Response
Reactions online have been sharply divided. Supporters praised O’Donnell for standing by her beliefs, with one fan posting on X (formerly Twitter), “Rosie’s never been afraid to speak her mind — that’s what makes her real.” Others accused her of stirring controversy and bringing politics into a simple fashion promotion.

American Eagle has yet to respond to her comments, continuing to run the campaign both in stores and across digital platforms. Whether O’Donnell’s refusal will influence the brand’s future decisions remains to be seen, but her remarks have reignited the broader debate over how politics and celebrity endorsements intersect in consumer culture.