Sydney Sweeney Addresses Backlash Over Bathwater Soap Campaign, Notes Critics Are ‘Mainly Girls’
August 22, 2025
LOS ANGELES — Sydney Sweeney, the 27-year-old star of Euphoria and Immaculate, has spoken out about the backlash she faced over her controversial Dr. Squatch advertising campaign, observing that the criticism came predominantly from women. In an interview with The Wall Street Journal published on August 21, 2025, Sweeney commented, “It was mainly the girls making comments about it, which I thought was really interesting,” reflecting on the public reaction to the limited-edition soap product dubbed “Sydney’s Bathwater Bliss.”
The campaign, launched earlier this year, featured Sweeney promoting Dr. Squatch Natural Body Wash in a provocative ad set in a bubble-filled bathtub, inspired by a viral trend referencing a Saltburn scene involving Jacob Elordi’s bathwater. The product, marketed as infused with Sweeney’s bathwater, drew sharp criticism for its suggestive nature, with some detractors labeling it as exploitative. Sweeney noted a perceived double standard, pointing out that “they all loved the idea of Jacob Elordi’s bathwater,” suggesting that similar campaigns featuring male celebrities faced less scrutiny.
Sweeney, who has been navigating her public image since rising to fame, emphasized the importance of staying attuned to audience feedback, stating, “It’s important to have a finger on the pulse of what people are saying, because everything is a conversation with the audience.” She acknowledged the broader context of criticism she faces, particularly from women, and hinted at the complexities of navigating fame as a young actress. “It’s probably very true that I get more criticism from women,” she said, adding that praise for her acting often comes from the same demographic, creating a “double-edged sword.”
The actress also faced backlash over a separate American Eagle campaign with the slogan “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans,” a play on “great genes” that some critics claimed promoted eugenics, a charge the company denied. American Eagle issued a statement on August 1, 2025, clarifying, “‘Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans’ is and always was about the jeans. Her jeans. Her story. We’ll continue to celebrate how everyone wears their AE jeans with confidence, their way.”
Public sentiment on platforms like X reflects a divide. Some users, like @QuintonioBrown, defended Sweeney, arguing, “Sydney Sweeney seems like a really nice girl and it sucks that she gets so much hate for basically no reason. Like it’s a joke product, the joke is that she’s hot, she’s allowed to make jokes about how she’s hot.” Others, such as @Goodkaaaarrmmaa, criticized the disproportionate scrutiny she faces, pointing to her Euphoria role as a flashpoint for unfair comparisons and attacks.
Sweeney’s comments highlight ongoing discussions about gender dynamics in celebrity culture and the challenges of managing public perception in the social media age. As she continues to build her career with upcoming projects like the Echo Valley premiere and a potential return to Euphoria for its third season, Sweeney remains focused on engaging with her audience while navigating the complexities of fame.
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