Sharon Stone publicly defended her Euphoria co-star Sydney Sweeney against backlash from an American Eagle jeans ad campaign, stating that “it’s hard to be hot” and encouraging women to embrace their attributes. The defense occurred at Variety’s Power of Women event in Los Angeles on October 29, 2025, where Stone presented Sweeney with an award, highlighting a moment of solidarity between the two actresses.
Sharon Stone, the renowned actress known for roles in films like Basic Instinct, came to the defense of Sydney Sweeney during the Variety Power of Women event held in Los Angeles on October 29, 2025. The event celebrated influential women in entertainment, with Sweeney among the honorees recognized for her contributions. Stone’s public support addressed the criticism Sweeney faced earlier in 2025 for her involvement in an American Eagle advertising campaign, which had sparked widespread debate on social media and beyond. This defense not only underscored their professional relationship but also highlighted broader issues of scrutiny faced by women in the public eye.
The controversy centered on a series of American Eagle ads launched in July 2025, featuring the slogan “Sydney Sweeney has great jeans,” a pun on “great genes.” Critics argued that the campaign could be interpreted as promoting genetic superiority or catering to the male gaze, with some drawing parallels to Brooke Shields’ controversial 1980 denim advertisements. In response, American Eagle issued a statement on August 1, 2025, clarifying that the campaign was solely about their jeans and emphasizing that “great jeans look good on everyone,” aiming to reaffirm the brand’s commitment to inclusivity amid the backlash.
During a red carpet interview with Variety at the event, Stone expressed firm support for Sweeney, stating, “It’s okay to use what mama gave you. It’s really fine. It’s hard to be hot, and I think we all know that. It’s really okay to use every bit of hotness you have—right here, right now—and go for whatever that is.” She emphasized that everyone possesses their own unique appeal and should feel empowered to embrace it without apology, reflecting a message of self-acceptance and confidence in the face of public criticism.
To illustrate her point, Stone shared an anecdote from her friendship with the late conservationist Jane Goodall, who passed away on October 1, 2025. She recalled how Goodall faced similar scrutiny when she appeared on the cover of Life magazine, with some scientists claiming she only received the cover due to her legs. Goodall’s pragmatic response was that if her appearance helped secure more funding for her research, it was a worthwhile trade-off, a story Stone used to validate Sweeney’s approach to the controversy.
Sweeney responded to Stone’s support with confidence and humor, according to Stone’s account. She reportedly said, “Yeah, and I’m sure I made a billion dollars for the jeans company, and I’m good with that. Because, you know what? I’ll get another job.” This exchange took place while the two were filming the third season of HBO’s Euphoria, where Stone is a new addition to the cast, and it demonstrated Sweeney’s resilience and business acumen in navigating the entertainment industry.
The defense also touched on their collaborative dynamic on Euphoria, with Stone expressing admiration for the series and its young cast. She joked about having to rewatch the show “for the 67th time” to prepare, describing it as a joy to work with such talented individuals. This professional bond has fostered a supportive relationship, with Sweeney previously stating that Stone means “so much to me,” further emphasizing the importance of mentorship and camaraderie in Hollywood.
Overall, Stone’s comments resonate in an era where female celebrities often face double standards regarding their appearance and career choices. The incident highlights ongoing challenges in balancing personal expression with public perception, and it serves as a reminder of the value of solidarity among women in the industry. As both actresses continue their work on Euphoria and other projects, this moment underscores the need for continued advocacy against unfair scrutiny and for embracing individuality without apology.