WNBA star Angel Reese has called for a boycott of American Eagle, denouncing the brand’s latest ad campaign featuring actress Sydney Sweeney as “disgusting and divisive.”
The comments, made late last night on Reese’s verified X (formerly Twitter) account, have ignited a whirlwind of reactions from fans, fashion insiders, and cultural commentators.
The Flashpoint
American Eagle recently launched a high-profile marketing campaign fronted by Euphoria star Sydney Sweeney. The campaign, featuring a retro Americana aesthetic and playful, provocative styling, has been widely promoted on social media and billboards nationwide.
But for Reese, the imagery and messaging crossed a line.
“This is NOT the America I stand for,” she wrote. “American Eagle’s decision to push this campaign is disgusting and divisive. We deserve brands that unite, not pit people against each other. I won’t wear their clothes again, and neither should you.”
While Reese didn’t specify which aspects of the campaign she found offensive, sources close to the player suggest she took issue with both the tone and underlying themes of the shoot, which some critics have described as “tone-deaf in today’s climate.”
Backlash and Support
Almost instantly, Reese’s call for a boycott began trending, with hashtags like #BoycottAmericanEagle and #StandWithAngel climbing into the top spots on X. Supporters have praised her for speaking out, citing her history of using her platform to address social and cultural issues beyond basketball.
Critics, however, have accused her of overreacting and unnecessarily targeting a fellow woman in the public eye. “Sydney Sweeney didn’t design the campaign — she’s just the face of it,” one commenter wrote. “Going after her personally isn’t the solution.”
Silence from American Eagle — For Now
As of Thursday morning, neither American Eagle nor Sydney Sweeney has issued a public response to Reese’s remarks. The brand’s official social media accounts continue to promote the campaign without reference to the growing controversy.
Industry experts note that in today’s interconnected media environment, even a single tweet from a celebrity like Reese can cause substantial ripples for a major fashion brand — especially when it connects with larger conversations about representation, messaging, and cultural tone.
The Power and Risk of Athlete Activism
Reese, known as much for her outspoken personality as her dominance on the basketball court, has a track record of using her influence for causes she believes in. Whether advocating for WNBA pay equity or speaking out on cultural issues, she rarely shies away from controversy.
But experts caution that direct boycotts can be a double-edged sword. “This is a high-visibility, high-risk move,” said media analyst Jordan Castillo. “If public sentiment swings against her, it could alienate sponsors and create lasting brand tension. But if she taps into a broader feeling of discontent, she could force American Eagle to respond — or even alter the campaign.”
“This Is a Really Important Moment For Me to Be The Face of Women’s Hoops”: Chicago Sky Star Angel Reese Opens Up About Having a Signature Shoe With Reebok For The First Time
Her first shoe, the Angel 1s, will drop on September 18.
“It’s great,” Reese told Kayla Webley Adler of Elle. “It’s a blessing. I don’t know when the perfect time would be, because so many great things are happening at once all the time for me…but I know fans have been wondering and asking about it.
And I know it was supposed to come in 2026, but I thought, Why not now? Why not year two? Why not be able to wear my shoe while I’m playing and striving for great things?
“Being able to have the support that I have right now with the fans is really important to me, and I’m trying to maximize everything while I can. This is a really important moment for me right now, and I’m really excited for it to launch.”
Reese, one of the best rebounders in the WNBA, agreed to a multi-year endorsement contract extension with Reebok in October 2024.
“Reebok is back! We’re bringing back that old-school look, the old-school vibes,” Reese said.
“People are going to be wearing Reebok everywhere, just like how they wear Jordans everywhere. I want people to wear the Angel Reese 1s everywhere and just to be a household name, to have no limits on what I can do and what I can accomplish.”
Reese, who hasn’t played since July 29 due to a back injury, has 17 double-doubles and one triple-double for the Sky this season. She’s averaging 14.2 points, 12.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.5 steals and 0.7 blocks while shooting 44.4% from the field, 20.0% from beyond the arc and 79.0% from the free-throw line.
A two-time All-Star, Reese is averaging 13.8 points, 12.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.4 steals and 0.5 blocks since getting drafted by the Sky with the seventh overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft. The LSU product has 43 double-doubles in 57 career games.
