Sydney Sweeney defended by WWE amid American Eagle ad controversy

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A wrestling icon showed support for actress Sydney Sweeney on social media amidst the controversy surrounding her American Eagle ad, which has sparked a variety of opinions.

Former WWE Hall of Famer Sgt. Slaughter voiced his support for Sweeney as criticism mounted online.

Sydney Sweeney attends the Variety Power of Young Hollywood event in Hollywood, California. (Frazer Harrison/Variety via Getty Images)

“Attention (Sydney Sweeney), YOU GO GIRL,” Slaughter wrote in a post on X on Wednesday. “& That’s An Order!!”

Slaughter, also known as Robert Remus, had a long career in pro wrestling, including with the WWE from 1972 to 2014. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2004.

Sweeney faced criticism over the American Eagle advertisement, titled “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans.”

Sgt. Slaughter attends a book launch event in New York City. (Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)

In a promotional video shared on the brand’s Instagram, Sweeney, known for her role in “Euphoria,” interacted with a billboard featuring her image and the tagline “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Genes.”

However, criticism emerged online, with some claiming the ad promoted unhealthy body image standards. Others likened it to controversial propaganda.

C.J. Pearson defended Sweeney in an article published on a digital platform. He argued that critics were unhappy because they “don’t want to admit the truth.”