Sydney Sweeney faces another setback amid controversial campaign

Sydney Sweeney, known for always dazzling fans, stole the spotlight at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday.

Notably, it wasn’t her dress that caused a stir, but rather the host’s joke, which fell flat.

The 28-year-old actress, widely recognised for her role in Euphoria, walked the stage looking glamorous in a striking strapless red Oscar de la Renta gown.

In a surprising move, 46-year-old comedian Nate Bargatze attempted a cheeky reference to her controversial American Eagle ad campaign.

For those unfamiliar, in July, Sweeney sparked backlash when fans criticised the campaign, questioning the brand’s reference to her “great genes,” with some critics claiming it carried eugenics undertones.

Meanwhile, Bargatze showed off his blue denim tuxedo and quipped, “I have a blue jean tux on for some reason… We had, like, a joke. There’s a cummerbund, and I forgot what it, I don’t know.”

Soon after, he introduced the Immaculate actress as a two-time Emmy nominee, a punchline that largely fell flat.

Backstage, insiders described the reaction as “tepid,” while online viewers called the joke “confusing” and labelled Bargatze a “terrible host.”

One user quipped: “So Nate dressed down to land a joke and then… didn’t even try to land the joke.”

Despite the awkward moment, Sweeney, who is set to play boxer Christy Martin in an Oscar-buzzed biopic, held her poise effortlessly.

When is 'Christy' hitting U.S. theatres?

Sydney Sweeney's boxer biopic, Christy, is scheduled for a U.S. theatrical release on November 7, 2025.

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