I confronted my most shallow assumption about men... and unlocked the best sex of my life: JANA HOCKING
I accidentally stumbled into a situationship with a bald man – and he broke my heart. The worst part? He wasn't even my type.
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The Guardian
6 minutes ago
- The Guardian
‘It'll be carnage': why Sydney Sweeney's risky political moment may backfire
It is one of the questionable perks of Donald Trump's 'wall of sound' approach to communication that the slightly icky moment of connection between the world of Maga and one of Hollywood's hottest young stars was broadcast live and uncut. As the US president boarded Air Force One, a reporter asked whether he had any thoughts on Sydney Sweeney, a 'very hot actress right now', being a registered Republican. Of course he did. 'She's a registered Republican? Ooh, now I love her ad. Is that right? Is Sydney Sweeney … You'd be surprised at how many people are Republicans. That's what I wouldn't have known. But I'm glad you told me that. If Sydney Sweeney is a registered Republican, I think her ad is fantastic.' Sweeney, for the uninitiated, and there can't be many, first gained prominence for her roles in HBO's Euphoria and The White Lotus and more recently co-starred in the thriller Echo Valley with Julianne Moore. It has, however, been the 27-year-old's 'more is best' approach to commercial tie-ups and a tendency for the social media algorithms to promote her that has made her inescapable. She is everywhere, smiling with a dab of rejuvenating cream on her face, straining to inject cool into clog-shaped black loafers or taking selfies with a dog to promote Samsung flip phones. She can even be found in your bath tub thanks to a collaboration with a men's personal care company to create a soap called Sydney's Bathwater Bliss that contains a small amount of the actual water in which she has actually washed. Her latest advertising campaign has led her into more dangerous waters. 'Genes are passed down from parents to offspring, often determining traits like hair colour, personality, and even eye colour,' she purrs in an advert for American Eagle denims. 'My genes are blue,' she says as the camera lingers on her eyes. The strap line: Sydney Sweeney has great jeans. The whiff of controversy was inevitably picked up with claims that the ad was elevating the white, blond and blue eyed. One TikTok reaction video that received hundreds of thousands of likes commented 'it's literally giving … Nazi propaganda'. JD Vance, never one to miss such a moment, decided that this had his name all over it. He criticised the unhinged Dems and hailed an 'all-American beautiful woman', adding, 'so much of the Democrats is oriented around hostility to basic American life'. Then, amid the extra scrutiny of the woman behind the storm, it emerged that Sweeney had registered as a Republican voter in Florida a few months before Trump won his second US presidency. As Trump's delight illustrated, the benefit to the president is clear, said David Cracknell, a former political editor of Rupert Murdoch's Sunday Times who now runs his own PR company. There is a long history of politicians chasing the celebrity endorsement, with JFK among the earliest to spot the benefits of having Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr on his side. Last summer, Harvard University's Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation published research that suggested celebrity voices could be 'incredibly powerful' in promoting civic engagement and altering polling numbers. Online voter registration and poll worker volunteer rates were found to increase when a celebrity promoted them. Celebrity endorsements from the likes of Taylor Swift and Oprah Winfrey did not help Kamala Harris's cause at the last election but the tacit endorsement of a young woman could be particularly helpful at a time when Trump is under pressure over his past relationship with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. However, Cracknell said the up-side for the celebrity was far less clear. 'It usually does end in tears when any celebrity gets involved in politics, just look at Kanye West and how his endorsement for Trump was mixed up with his reputational downfall,' said Cracknell. 'Then he said later that he felt used by Trump. More fool you for getting involved because the politicians are much better at manipulating the media, they are doing it on a second by second basis, Trump literally.' Mark Borkowski, whose PR clients have included Michael Jackson, Joan Rivers and Van Morrison, said that the golden rule of avoiding political entanglements, particularly in the infancy of a career when widespread goodwill was crucial, was there for a reason. When Taylor Swift praised two Democratic candidates in her home state of Tennessee back in 2018 it led to a fearsome backlash but she stuck to her guns, going on to back Joe Biden and Kamala Harris for president. It can hardly be said that her career has suffered but Swift was established, said Borkowski, as were other celebrities, such as John Wayne and Charlton Heston who threw themselves into political causes, the former with the Republican party and the latter the civil rights movement and then the National Rifle Association. 'I am fascinated by Sydney Sweeney,' Borkowski said. 'She's become the sort of delicious siren of the gen Z media. She has got all the echoes of Jayne Mansfield or Marilyn Monroe, but she's totally over promoted. 'She's clickbait and it's the worst idea to declare a political affiliation, especially in the inferno that is American discourse. It's a massive PR risk because she hasn't made it yet. She is not Margot Robbie, she does not have Oscars behind her.' Sweeney is yet to comment on the news of her political sympathies but plenty of others, beyond Trump, will have a say, said Borkowski. 'Silence in politics is really important now because if you don't, you're going to be exposed by the full weight of the opposition on social media,' he said. 'It'll be carnage. She's a bombshell, but she's not box office yet.'
Daily Mail
6 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Sydney Sweeney's secret MAGA moment rockets her into Trump world in jaw-dropping throwback
Sydney Sweeney is back in the news again after make headlines last week which caused even President Donald Trump to comment on her. The 27-year-old Euphoria veteran was seen in an old shooting range video that has been dug up by fans. The clip has now gone viral as it presented how well she can handle a gun; her choice was a Glock, a line of polymer‑framed, striker‑fired semi‑automatic pistols designed and manufactured by the Austrian company Glock GmbH. In this old video of Sweeney shooting a gun, it's clear she is comfortable with the assault weapon as she is quick to load, aim and fire, even doing impressive 'double taps.' The siren then beams with pride after being told by other women that she nailed the shots. This comes on the heels of criticism over her American Eagle ad which has been dubbed 'Nazi propaganda' by critics though some found the message innocent. The ad's tagline was about her good jeans, which was intended to be about her blue-eyed, blonde hair 'genes.' Sydney is alluring in the clip as she has her hair bright blonde and is dressed in day clothes with earmuffs on. It was clear this was not the first time she handled a gun and fans were quick to comment on her skills. 'Sydney Sweeney has insane handgun skills,' said one while another added, 'She doesn't just have great jeans; she's also a total pro at the firing range, unloading 17 rounds in just 9 seconds.' Meanwhile, President Donald Trump was elated to find out that Sweeney was registered as a Republican after her controversial American Eagle jeans ad caused a political firestorm. Daily Mail asked Trump for his reaction to Sweeney's surprise voter registration after he landed in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and the president didn't shy away from his excitement. 'Oh, now I love her ad,' Trump responded. 'You'd be surprised at how many people are Republican. That's one I wouldn't have known, but I'm glad you told me that,' he continued. If Sydney Sweeney is a registered Republican, I think her ad is fantastic.' Also this weekend, the beauty was seen at a screening for her new film Americana. She wore a Cinderella look with a gown that had a sweetheart neckline as her dark blonde hair was held back by a yellow headband. The looker appeared to be in great spirits on the red carpet even though TMZ claimed on Monday that she had been heckled by a woman as she walked into the splashy event. On Friday the Hollywood neophyte was defended by American Eagle after she was slammed for appearing in their controversial ad campaign. The A-list actress, is the face of the label's autumn advertising rollout, which has the tagline, 'Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans.' American Eagle said the actress did nothing wrong with their ads after they were branded 'Nazi propaganda' by woke critics. Some saw her 'great jeans' campaign to be a remark on her genetic background which is mixed European ancestry; she grew up in rural Idaho. The phrase 'great genes' is 'historically used to celebrate whiteness, thinness and attractiveness,' which it said made 'this campaign seem to be a tone-deaf marketing move,' a Salon report on the backlash read. Others found the link 'ridiculous' and thought the ads were just fine. '"Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans" is and always was about the jeans,' the company said on Instagram. 'Her jeans. her story,' it was added. 'We'll continue to celebrate how everyone wears their AE jeans with confidence, their way. Great jeans look good on everyone.' On Friday American Eagle said the actress did nothing wrong with their ads after they were branded 'Nazi propaganda' by woke critics. '"Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans" is and always was about the jeans,' the company said on Instagram In a series of images, the Spokane, Washington-born beauty - who is set to play boxer Christy Martin in an upcoming biopic - is seen modeling a variety of denim-based ensembles. In an accompanying video, Sydney is seen buttoning up her jeans as she muses: 'Genes are passed down from parents to offspring, often determining traits like hair colour, personality and even eye colour... my genes are blue'. A second advert sees the camera pan down Sydney's chest as she models a plunging denim jumpsuit. She muses: 'My body's composition is determined by my genes...' before exclaiming: 'Hey, eyes up here' as the camera cuts back to her face. The advert has divided fans, however, with one critic calling the clip 'one of the loudest and most obvious racialized dog whistles we've seen and heard in a while.' Taking to social media, many expressed their shock at messaging, which they aligned to Nazi propaganda. Outraged fans penned: 'So Sydney (& American Eagle) somehow expect audiences to not interpret this visual as a euphemism for eugenics and white supremacy?' The phrase 'great genes' is 'historically used to celebrate whiteness, thinness and attractiveness,' which it said made 'this campaign seem to be a tone-deaf marketing move,' a Salon report on the backlash read 'The Sydney Sweeney American Eagle ad campaign is just modern day Nazi propaganda. Like it's wild how blatant it is. Things are weird right now, man.'; 'the most nazi part of the Sydney sweeney add for me was the use of the word offspring'; ''Jeans (Genes) are past down from parent to offspring' 'My jeans (genes) are blue' 'Sydney Sweeney has great jeans (genes)' Nothing is ever a coincidence, this is eugenics'; TikTok named Angie under the handle @vital_media_marketing then reviewed the ad and pointed out what she felt were problematic elements with the underlying message. Angie said: 'As it's panning up her body and on her face and her features, she's literally talking about her family tree and the genetics that have been handed down to her, her blonde hair and her blue eyes, and how great they are.' Many people panned the tone of the ad campaign on American Eagle's Instagram page, as one user quipped, It's giving "Subtle 1930's Germany."' Yet many were quick to defend Sydney, branding the backlash 'unhinged'. They shared on X/Twitter: 'I'm not sure how to say this nicely but if you think a jeans ad with a pun about Sydney Sweeney being pretty is a nazi dogwhistle you genuinely need to put the phone down for a while.'; 'everyone is seriously reading too much into this and y'all need to go take a hike or something because sydney sweeney is literally just promoting jeans, not 'nazi propaganda''; 'The claim that Sydney Sweeney's American Eagle ad is pro-eugenics because of a 'good genes/jeans' pun is genuinely unhinged. It's a denim campaign, not a manifesto. Not every blonde with blue eyes is a Nazi. Some of you need a history book — and a nap'; 'You guys don't have to like Sydney Sweeney or the ways she promotes herself but don't you think comparing those Jean commercials to nazi propaganda is a tad extreme?' Daily Mail has reached out to reps for Sweeney and American Eagle for further comment on the story. Sweeney said in a July 23 news release about the fall campaign: 'There is something so effortless about American Eagle.' She said of the clothier: 'It's the perfect balance of being put-together but still feeling like yourself.' The Euphoria star continued: 'Their commitment to creating pieces that make you feel confident and comfortable in your own skin is something that resonates with me. 'It's rare to find a brand that grows with you, the way American Eagle has for generations.' The Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood actress wrapped up in saying, 'They have literally been there with me through every version of myself.' American Eagle Outfitters president Jennifer Foyle opened up about the ad campaign, which is slated to raise money for domestic violence charities, in the news release. 'This fall season, American Eagle is celebrating what makes our brand iconic – trendsetting denim that leads, never follows,' Foyle said. 'Innovative fits and endless versatility reflect how our community wears their denim: mixed, matched, layered and lived in.' The fashion executive explained why Sweeney made for the perfect focal point of the promotion. 'With Sydney Sweeney front and center, she brings the allure, and we add the flawless wardrobe for the winning combo of ease, attitude and a little mischief,' Foyle said. In terms of the charitable aspect of the ad campaign, American Eagle Outfitters is working with Crisis Text Line in an effort to provide grants for mental health support and crisis intervention. Proceeds from a special edition of The Sydney Jean will be donated to the organization. Among the related grants include a $100,000 Signature Grant posted this past February 2025 in an effort to expand programs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
The Guardian
6 minutes ago
- The Guardian
Jesus Christ Superstar review – Cynthia Erivo leads rousing LA revival
Much like its namesake, Jesus Christ Superstar comes with a storied history. There have been at least four Broadway productions and many revivals, tours and adaptations of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's 1971 biblical rock musical. Just last month, the UK saw a revival met with acclaim. In Los Angeles's version, not without 'backlash', Cynthia Erivo is the Holy Messiah. Jesus, clad in white cloth and cool white boots, faces betrayal at the hands of Judas (played by a magnetic Adam Lambert). In the first half of the show, as the apostles ask Jesus about his plans, and as lepers ask him to heal them, Erivo's Jesus is restrained and she doesn't quite make the role fully her own: Jesus is composed even in uncertainty, steady even when overwhelmed. But immediately into the second act, after Jesus realizes a disciple will betray him and as he pleads with God against the death that awaits him, Erivo lets despair take over in Gethsemane, stoking a tender touchpoint that makes Jesus feel human but commanding, helpless and then resolute. There is no doubt that you're in the presence of a mastery of art form, of unbridled talent as Erivo sinks to her knees and resigns to God's will – tears filling her eyes, the music simple and her crystalline voice carrying into the night. The outpour at first doesn't feel quite earned but, on true skill and discipline, becomes moving and stunning to witness, enthralling the audience into a minute-long standing ovation. Judas, a juicier role that runs from rebellion to righteousness to sorrow, is a punk delight. Lambert is perfectly cast, harnessing a despair that's mightily accessible throughout: he splits the difference between someone you'd meet at a bar who's got some regrets and someone who was born at the gates of hell. In Damned for All Time / Blood Money, as Judas wrestles with whether or not to betray Jesus and tell Pharisees and priests where he is so that they can capture him, Lambert is a wavering flag, a lilt of evil. After Jesus is taken and Judas realizes the pain he's wrought, Lambert offers in Judas' Death a window into a sorrow we've all reached for before, a glimmer of hope that you're not as bad as what you've just done. Hamilton's Phillipa Soo, playing Mary Magdalene, brings a buttery voice and is a smart match to Erivo's, and governor of Judea Pontius Pilate (Raúl Esparza), a commanding presence. But perhaps because of these heavyweights, other moments are more forgettable: the choreography (especially the apostles') feels relatively simple and fades into the background, and the fanfare of King Herod (played by a last-minute John Stamos filling in for Josh Gad, who has Covid) in Herod's Song could have offered a thicker moment of fun and delight, but Stamos is too much bravado over jeer. The set design for the most part leaves something to be desired, primarily a large screen hovering in the back; on it are graphics that aim to be camp but land more lazily – sometimes more literal camp with a mountain range of REI-type graphics, sometimes Vaporwave-like art you'd find at a Miami DJ set. But the holiness of the Hollywood Bowl venue is undeniable: as Jesus's followers fawn and plead or when the orchestra softens with a solo nigh, a sense of devastation seeps in, the sky above the outdoor amphitheater a deep, navy hue, God's Earth the stage. Despite the unevenness of Jesus's conviction and some rushed ensemble songs, this rendition captures the tragedy of devotion and the contradictions of betrayal. 'I don't know how to love him,' sing Mary and Judas, in separate scenes – and still, you know they do.
