RM JUST IN: Social media erupted after a viral post falsely claimed Angel Reese had urged a nationwide boycott of American Eagle in response to the brand’s new Sydney Sweeney–led ad campaign. The allegation set the internet ablaze—but it was entirely fabricated.
On August 15, 2025, the rumor storm hit full force. A sensational X (formerly Twitter) post asserted that Reese had condemned the campaign as “disgusting and disrespectful to Black culture.” Meme pages and clickbait sites latched on instantly, portraying the WNBA star as spearheading a cultural backlash against the retailer for choosing Sweeney—a blonde, white Hollywood favorite—rather than a more diverse voice.
The story spread with dizzying speed. Fake quotes circulated, hashtags like #BoycottAmericanEagle trended for hours, and arguments erupted across feeds. But when fact-checkers investigated, they uncovered the truth: none of it happened.
Lead Stories conducted a thorough review that same day, finding zero evidence in Reese’s social media history, interviews, or any verified news source to suggest she ever criticized American Eagle or Sweeney. The viral graphic fueling the outrage was nothing more than a doctored image with fabricated text. Soon after, Primetimer dismissed the narrative as a debunked viral rumor, and Marca reiterated in a September 2 report that Reese had never called for a boycott—or claimed to have “3 billion fans,” another bizarre false quote that spread alongside the hoax. By fall, the situation had devolved into satire, with parody Dawn Staley quotes about “jeans as Black legacy” racking up millions of views.
Meanwhile, Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle campaign—launched in early August with the playful tagline “Sydney Sweeney has great jeans”—rolled on successfully. Featuring retro denim styles, cheeky poses, and classic Americana visuals, the campaign catered squarely to Gen Z shoppers. It worked: American Eagle saw a 15% spike in denim engagement within days, according to retail analytics.
Still, conversations were sparked—not by Reese, but by independent critics—about the cultural history of denim. A viral August 3 video by activist Charise Lee titled “The Dark History of Blue Jeans in America” resurfaced debates about labor, race, and fashion. The clip touched on denim’s roots in the Gold Rush era and its ties to enslaved Black labor, raising questions about representation in modern marketing. Some users argued that while Sweeney embodied confidence and mainstream appeal, the campaign missed an opportunity to highlight figures like Reese, whose athletic influence and cultural impact resonate widely.
The hoax capitalized on these tensions, manufacturing conflict between two women who share no animosity. As one satirical X user joked, “It’s either her or me”—a line entirely invented for clicks.
In reality, Angel Reese’s trajectory has nothing to do with fabricated feuds. Since being drafted first overall by the Chicago Sky in 2024, she’s become a defining force in the WNBA—averaging 15.5 rebounds her rookie season—and a cultural icon off the court. With millions of followers, high-profile partnerships, and ongoing advocacy for mental health and equity, Reese has never commented on American Eagle’s campaign. Her recent Elle interview focused on her signature Reebok sneakers, not denim controversies.
The episode reveals how easily misinformation thrives. Outrage-driven accounts—like @WomenBeingAwful or @ClownWorld—used the rumor to bolster polarized narratives. Conservative commentators mocked “woke outrage,” while progressive voices leaned into the historical critique of denim, sometimes without verifying the original claim. By November, the entire saga had morphed into meme fodder, blurring satire and misinformation.
American Eagle, for its part, opted not to respond publicly. The brand’s sales only climbed, with Q3 2025 denim revenue rising 20%, boosted by Sweeney’s visibility. CEO Jay Schottenstein later emphasized to investors that the company was focused on authenticity, not online drama. Sweeney, meanwhile, stuck to promoting her film Immaculate and sharing fitness posts, brushing off the noise in a Variety interview: “I wear what makes me feel good. That’s the point.”
Yet the fallout underscores a larger issue: viral hoaxes muddy real conversations about diversity, history, and representation. Denim’s past is indeed political, and casting choices do invite scrutiny—but false narratives trivialize legitimate debates. Reese’s real-world influence shows why representation matters: her Reebok line sold out within hours, proving the power of uplifting Black women in fashion and sport.
As 2025 approaches its end, the so-called “boycott” drama stands as a reminder of how easily fiction can overshadow fact. Reese continues to dominate the WNBA spotlight, Sweeney keeps thriving in Hollywood, and American Eagle keeps selling jeans—mostly unaffected.
Ultimately, the uproar wasn’t truly about denim or ads. It was about how quickly the internet embraces stories that confirm its biases. The real takeaway? Confidence—whether in fashion or discourse—begins with owning your narrative, not letting viral posts dictate it.
The saga highlights a shifting cultural moment where athletes wield influencer power, brands become ideological battlegrounds, and fact-checkers like Lead Stories remain essential. As they put it succinctly: “Angel Reese Did NOT Call For A Boycott.”
What comes next? Expect more intersections of sports, media, and marketing—but hopefully, with fewer hoaxes and more truth.
