UPDATE: Pop star Halsey launched a passionate defense of her film Americana after its box office performance was overshadowed by controversy involving co-star Sydney Sweeney. In a series of now-deleted posts on social media, Halsey criticized the media for linking the film’s lackluster $500,000 opening weekend to Sweeney’s recent advertising campaign with American Eagle.
The film, which was shot on a budget of $9 million, debuted in over 1,100 theaters on the weekend of October 13, 2023. It stars Paul Walter Hauser as an Army veteran caught in chaos after a stolen artifact enters the black market. Halsey emphasized the film’s artistic merit, stating, “You should go see this movie. Because Tony Tost made an exceptional film, in honor of a genre he knows intimately.”
Halsey’s comments come after Sweeney faced backlash for her role in a controversial ad campaign promoting American Eagle jeans, where she stated, “My jeans are blue,” sparking accusations of promoting eugenics. Critics have targeted the campaign, while supporters argue it symbolizes a return to conservative beauty standards in America. The campaign drew national attention, including a comment from former President Donald Trump, who called Sweeney’s ad “the hottest out there.”
In her Instagram Stories, Halsey expressed frustration over the media’s treatment of those involved in the film, stating, “I am upset that a bunch of non-celebrity people involved in this film are being bullied by the media.” She further noted, “I have said everything I am permitted to say about my feelings on the ad,” underlining her commitment to the people behind Americana.
While Sydney Sweeney remains silent on the controversy, she has previously defended her right to profit from her sexualized image, stating, “Everyone else is!” Halsey’s support for the film comes at a time when public sentiment around Sweeney is sharply divided, with some labeling the scrutiny as unwarranted.
The film’s struggles at the box office have been attributed to the timing of its release amidst the ongoing media firestorm. Halsey’s impassioned defense highlights the human impact of celebrity culture and the often harsh realities faced by those behind the scenes in the film industry.
As the Americana drama unfolds, many are left to wonder: will this backlash affect future projects for both Halsey and Sweeney? Audiences are encouraged to weigh in and share their thoughts on the controversy, as the film continues to garner attention in the wake of these developments.
Stay tuned for updates on this evolving story.