UPDATE: Pop star Halsey has rushed to defend her film Americana in the wake of a media frenzy surrounding co-star Sydney Sweeney. The film’s release this past weekend has been overshadowed by controversy related to an American Eagle ad campaign, which has drawn sharp criticism for allegedly promoting eugenics.
In a series of now-deleted posts on social media, Halsey expressed her frustration, stating, “I don’t think that it’s fair for the news cycle to predatorily rip a hardworking director and his hardworking crew for their film that is completely separate from… a (pretty dumb) advertising take.” Americana debuted in 1,100 theaters but only managed to rake in $500,000 during its opening weekend, a dismal return for a film with a production budget of $9 million.
The singer’s comments come as Sweeney faces backlash for her role in an advertising campaign that featured the tagline “Sydney Sweeney has great genes,” which critics argue promotes eugenics. Halsey urged audiences to watch the film, praising director Tony Tost for his vision and talent. “You should go see this movie. Because Tony Tost made an exceptional film,” she wrote.
The controversy escalated when former President Donald Trump weighed in, claiming that Sweeney, a “registered Republican,” has “the hottest ad out there.” Sweeney has not publicly addressed the backlash, but she has previously defended her image, stating, “Everyone else is!” in response to critics.
In her messages, Halsey highlighted the emotional toll the situation has taken on the film’s crew, stating, “I am upset that a bunch of non-celebrity people involved in this film are being bullied by the media.” She also criticized fans who misinterpret her stance, saying, “If you’re a fan of mine and think I ‘support eugenics’ then idk what to say.”
Despite the turmoil surrounding the film’s release, Halsey’s passionate defense aims to shift focus back to the artistry of Americana. The thriller stars Paul Walter Hauser as an Army veteran facing chaos as a stolen artifact enters the black market, showcasing a gripping narrative that deserves recognition beyond the current scandal.
As the fallout continues, audiences are left to wonder how this controversy will impact the film’s future and whether Halsey’s calls for support will resonate. Fans are encouraged to engage with the film and form their own opinions, as the conversation around it evolves.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as it unfolds.
