Sydney Sweeney faces backlash over bathwater soap and denim campaign

Sydney Sweeney is navigating a double wave of backlash and evolving brand partnerships as she lines up another high-profile interview about how she handles public reaction to her endorsements. The actress, known for her work in Euphoria and recent film and streaming roles, has found herself at the center of two separate controversies: a limited-edition bathwater soap created with Dr. Squatch and a denim campaign for American Eagle that sparked questions about race and beauty standards. In a recent interview, she said she tracks online commentary closely because “everything is a conversation with the audience,” a stance she has consistently maintained as part of her business approach.

The Dr. Squatch collaboration, announced in late May, produced Sydneys Bathwater Bliss, a bar soap marketed as made with Sweeney’s actual bathwater and featuring a gritty, piney scent profile. The product was geared toward men and included novel ingredients such as sand and pine bark extract. Only 5,000 bars were produced, priced at eight dollars each. The line quickly drew a mixed reception: some fans found humor and novelty in the concept, while others deemed it inappropriate. Sweeney has...