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Sydney Sweeney Pirouettes Back into the Spotlight After Ballet Backlash
Actress Sydney Sweeney seems to be addressing past criticism head-on in her new Jimmy Choo campaign. In 2022, Sweeney faced online mockery from dancers for posing en pointe in a pink outfit, with many criticizing her technique. Now, in a new commercial for the luxury shoe brand, Sweeney portrays several characters, including a ballerina.
The ad, shot on a soundstage, features Sweeney transitioning between different personas, each showcasing a unique footwear style. One scene depicts her as “Bar,” stretching in a black bodysuit and white boots on a set resembling a dance studio. Jimmy Choo Creative Director Sandra Choi describes the campaign as highlighting the transformative power of shoes and accessories.
This isn’t Sweeney’s first brush with advertising controversy. Her recent American Eagle campaign featuring the tagline “Sydney Sweeney has good jeans” drew criticism and even boycott threats, with some accusing the brand of using a eugenicist dog whistle.
She also faced backlash for promoting Dr. Squatch soap made from her bathwater, a move some saw as overly sexualized and pandering to male fans.
Sweeney responded defensively to these accusations.
Despite the past controversies, some might argue Sweeney’s boldest move in the new Jimmy Choo ad is her choice of footwear: white shoes after Labor Day.