Angel Reese Speaks Out: “I’ve dedicated my life to this sport, and I deserve fair pay for the value I bring.” The WNBA’s $75,000 contract offer doesn’t match her market worth or hard work.

New York, NY — WNBA rising star Angel Reese has sparked national conversation after publicly criticizing fashion brand American Eagle for an advertisement featuring actress Sydney Sweeney, claiming it “disrespects Black culture” and perpetuates tone-deaf marketing in the fashion industry.

Taking to social media on Tuesday, Reese posted:

“Time for a change. This ain’t it, @americaneagle. Stop profiting off our culture while excluding us from the narrative.”

The post quickly gained traction, with thousands of fans, cultural commentators, and fellow athletes weighing in — many echoing Reese’s concerns, while others debated the interpretation of the campaign.

The Controversial Ad Campaign

The American Eagle ad in question stars Sydney Sweeney, the Euphoria and Anyone But You actress, posing in a photoshoot with styling and visual cues that critics argue borrow heavily from aesthetics rooted in Black culture — including braids-inspired hair, oversized gold hoops, and urban streetwear styling.

While the campaign was intended to celebrate “bold self-expression” and “modern Americana,” according to American Eagle’s press release, Reese and others pointed out that the brand has historically lacked Black representation in its major campaigns — and that featuring a white actress in a style rooted in Black communities without credit or inclusion feels exploitative.

“If that same shoot featured a Black woman, I guarantee it wouldn’t be seen as ‘trendy’ — it’d be labeled ‘ghetto’ by half the fashion media,” one viral comment under Reese’s post read.

Angel Reese Speaks Out

Reese, who has quickly become one of the most prominent voices in women’s sports — both for her play on the court and her unapologetic stance on social justice issues — did not hold back. She later expanded in an Instagram story:

“Our style, our slang, our swag — everybody wants to copy it, but where’s the credit? Where’s the space for Black girls in those same boardrooms? We’re not just a trend.”

The 22-year-old Chicago Sky forward has previously partnered with several fashion and beauty brands, and her opinion carries weight in both sports and pop culture spaces.

Public Reaction: Support, Debate, and Brand Silence

While many fans and influencers rallied behind Reese — praising her for using her platform to speak out — the incident also reignited the broader, ongoing debate about cultural appropriation vs. appreciation in fashion and media.

Some critics argued that the ad was being misinterpreted, saying that fashion is inherently cyclical and often blends influences. However, defenders of Reese’s stance stressed that power dynamics, historical context, and representation matter, especially when Black cultural expression is involved.

As of now, American Eagle has not released a statement addressing the controversy or Reese’s criticism. Sydney Sweeney has also remained silent on the issue.

A Larger Movement in the Making?

This moment comes as more celebrities, particularly women of color, are using their influence to demand accountability from brands profiting off marginalized communities. Reese’s comments reflect a growing sentiment — especially among Gen Z — that performative diversity and surface-level representation aren’t enough.

If American Eagle responds, it may set a precedent for how major brands navigate similar controversies in the future. And if they don’t, the pressure from high-profile figures like Angel Reese may only increase.