Brittney Griner Sparks Social Media Firestorm: Boycotts American Eagle Campaign Featuring Sydney Sweeney

Brittney Griner just made waves on social media when she announced a boycott of American Eagle after her campaign with Sydney Sweeney. “I refuse to wear something that represents ignorance masquerading as creativity.” What made Griner think of the dark history of eugenics? Her next warning sent shockwaves through Hollywood…

WNBA star Brittney Griner has ignited a fierce social media storm after publicly announcing a boycott of American Eagle, condemning the brand’s latest campaign featuring actress Sydney Sweeney. The bold statement has sparked widespread debate and sent shockwaves across both the fashion and entertainment industries.

Griner took to her Instagram on Tuesday with a blistering message:

“I refuse to wear something that represents ignorance masquerading as creativity,” she wrote. “We can’t keep turning a blind eye to the symbolism behind some of these campaigns. I won’t stand by silently while brands profit off aesthetics rooted in a dark past.”

While Griner did not initially go into specifics, fans quickly pointed to her follow-up comments, where she referenced the “subtle glorification of 20th-century aesthetics tied to eugenics ideologies” in the campaign’s styling and creative direction.

Sources close to Griner say she was disturbed by certain imagery in the American Eagle shoot, which she felt echoed dangerous historical undertones—including themes associated with racial “purity,” selective beauty, and other motifs she claims are “coded but deeply harmful.”

In a chilling follow-up, Griner warned:

“If you don’t know the history, you’re wearing the costume of your own erasure. And Hollywood? You’re next. This isn’t just about denim—it’s about what we allow to be sold to us as normal.”

Sydney Sweeney, who has been a rising star in both TV and fashion, has not commented on the controversy. American Eagle, meanwhile, released a brief statement saying, “Our recent campaign celebrates individuality and inclusivity. We take all concerns seriously and are reviewing the feedback carefully.”

The internet, however, is deeply divided. Some applaud Griner for using her platform to spotlight hidden messages in pop culture, while others argue that her claims are an overreach.

Still, this incident has reignited conversations around representation, historical sensitivity in branding, and celebrity accountability. And with more athletes and entertainers becoming increasingly vocal about media narratives, the fallout may just be beginning.

Whether this leads to change within the fashion industry—or becomes another flashpoint in the ongoing culture war—Griner’s stand has made one thing clear: silence is no longer an option.