Sydney Sweeney, known for her role in Euphoria, faced online backlash after partnering with Dr. Squatch to release a limited-edition soap line containing her actual bathwater. Despite the controversy surrounding the product, the actress defended the campaign, emphasizing that she does not regret the concept. The 27-year-old spoke openly about the public response during an interview with The Wall Street Journal published on August 20.
She highlighted a perceived double standard in how people reacted to her product compared to the enthusiasm for her co-star Jacob Elordi’s bathwater, which went viral following a scene in the movie Saltburn. In that film, Barry Keoghan’s character drinks bathwater from a tub where Elordi’s character had recently bathed, sparking fan interest that led to the creation of a related Bathwater Candle. Sydney pointed out the contrast in reactions, noting that
“It was mainly the girls making comments about it, which I thought was really interesting,”
and
“They all loved the idea of Jacob Elordi’s bathwater.”
—Sydney Sweeney, Actress
Context and Public Reaction to the Bathwater Soap
When Sydney first unveiled the bathwater soap collaboration in May, it immediately attracted attention and controversy. She actively engaged with the feedback, both positive and negative, acknowledging her interest in audience conversations. The actress remarked,
“I think it’s important to have a finger on the pulse of what people are saying,”
and added,
“Because everything is a conversation with the audience.”
—Sydney Sweeney, Actress
Sydney later revealed to E! News in June that the idea to use her bathwater in the soap originated with her. Expressing amusement at the public’s reaction, she said,
“I think it’s more fun to see everyone else talk about it,”
and confirmed, “I pitched it.” —Sydney Sweeney, Actress
This approach contrasts with her other recent branding efforts, including a campaign with American Eagle that sparked its own debate. Critics suggested that wordplay in the advertisement connected jeans with genetics in a way some found controversial. Although Sydney did not directly address those claims, American Eagle defended the campaign’s intentions, stating publicly that the focus was purely on the clothing.
In the campaign video, Sydney explained,
“Genes are passed down from parents to offspring, often determining traits like hair color, personality and even eye color. My jeans are blue.”
—Sydney Sweeney, Actress
American Eagle emphasized their commitment to inclusivity by saying:
“’Sydney Sweeney has great jeans’ is and always was about the jeans,”
and further added,
“Her jeans. Her story. We’ll continue to celebrate how everyone wears their AE jeans with confidence, their way. Great jeans look good on everyone.”
—American Eagle statement
Other Public Figures Who Have Navigated Controversies
Sydney Sweeney is not alone among celebrities who have faced intense public scrutiny. Several other personalities have confronted their controversies while trying to manage their public images.
Colleen Ballinger’s Response to Allegations Concerning Her Fans
YouTube star Colleen Ballinger, known for her Miranda Sings character, was embroiled in serious allegations in 2023 regarding inappropriate relationships with underage fans. These claims first surfaced through screenshots from an alleged group chat titled “Colleeny’s Weenies,” shared by YouTuber KodeeRants in a now-deleted video. The chat allegedly included inappropriate conversations, although NBC News was unable to verify these claims.
Subsequently, Adam McIntyre, a former fan account operator, accused Ballinger of emotional grooming in video responses on his YouTube channel. Colleen has not directly addressed these accusations but did post a 10-minute ukulele song on her personal channel in June. She characterized the situation as a “toxic gossip train” headed toward “manipulation station” with people attempting to
“tie me to the tracks and harass me for my past.”
—Colleen Ballinger, Comedian
Following the controversy, Ballinger canceled the remainder of her Miranda Sings tour dates and has not been active on social media since.
Rachel Hollis’ Controversial Remarks About Privilege and Relatability
Author Rachel Hollis encountered backlash after she commented on hiring a house cleaner, which was perceived as tone-deaf by many. In a now-deleted social media post highlighted by Angie Treasure, Hollis shared an exchange from an April 2021 livestream where she addressed being called “privileged AF” by a viewer. Hollis admitted being privileged but justified it by asserting her hard work to afford help cleaning her home, then remarked that her lack of relatability was intentional.
She controversially compared herself to iconic figures like Harriet Tubman and Oprah Winfrey, stating that these women were “all unrelatable AF.” After widespread criticism, she apologized on Instagram, saying,
“I know I’ve caused tremendous pain in mentioning prominent women—including several women of color—whose struggles and achievements I can’t possibly understand,”
and continued,
“I disregarded the people whose hard work doesn’t afford them financial security, often due to inherently racist and biased systems.”
She then acknowledged,
“The important thing for me to do now, something I should have already done, is honestly, be quiet and listen.”
—Rachel Hollis, Author
Arielle Charnas’ COVID-19 Quarantine Controversy
Fashion influencer Arielle Charnas faced public outrage in 2020 following her positive COVID-19 diagnosis. Eight days after announcing her diagnosis on Instagram and vowing to quarantine in Manhattan with her family, Charnas and her household, including their nanny, traveled to the Hamptons. Her decision attracted heavy criticism as it appeared to contradict public health advice to isolate.
Charnas explained they took precautions by having doormen clear the lobby before leaving, avoiding stopping for gas, and having groceries delivered while quarantining in a relatively remote area. Despite this, Nordstrom chose not to renew its contract for her clothing line, Something Navy. Charnas shifted the brand to a direct-to-consumer model and shared on The Glossy Podcast,
“People wanted me to be more sensitive about what was going on in the world, and I should have been.”
—Arielle Charnas, Fashion Influencer
Tanya Zuckerbrot and Allegations Against Her Diet Program
Registered dietitian Tanya Zuckerbrot faced criticism in 2020 from fashion influencer Emily Gellis Lande, who shared unverified accounts from former clients claiming serious health problems associated with Zuckerbrot’s high-fiber F-Factor Diet. Allegations included rashes, severe cramps, symptoms resembling metal poisoning, and one claim of miscarriage.
Zuckerbrot denied these accusations and highlighted that out of 176,000 product purchasers, only 50 health complaints had been reported. She presented a Certificate of Analysis to dispute heavy metal concerns and defended her program on the Today show. Zuckerbrot dismissed Gellis Lande as a mere fashion blogger who misunderstood her intentions, stating,
“I believe in her mind she thinks she’s helping people and that the lifestyle I lead is poisoning everyone and giving them anorexia. But she’s a fashion blogger.”
—Tanya Zuckerbrot, Registered Dietitian
Zuckerbrot has filed two lawsuits accusing Gellis Lande of a smear campaign, with the cases still pending.
Jessica Mulroney’s Public Fallout Over Race-Related Incidents
Stylist Jessica Mulroney, a close friend of Meghan Markle, became involved in a racial controversy in 2020 after lifestyle blogger Sasha Exeter accused her of problematic behavior. Exeter alleged that Mulroney took offense to her call for supporters to
“use their voice for good and help combat the race war and what’s happening to the Black community.”
Exeter claimed Mulroney spoke negatively about her and sent a written threat.
While Mulroney publicly apologized and pledged to amplify Black voices by handing over her social media accounts, CTV dropped her reality show I Do, Redo. In response, Ben Mulroney, Jessica’s husband and CTV eTalk co-host, resigned, hoping to pass his platform to someone from Black, Indigenous, or other marginalized communities. Despite the controversy, Jessica maintained that her friendship with Meghan Markle remains intact, stating,
“Meghan and I are family. She is the kindest friend.”
—Jessica Mulroney, Stylist
Jake Paul’s FBI Investigation Tied to Arizona Mall Incident
YouTube personality Jake Paul was subject to a federal search warrant at his home in Calabasas, California, on August 5, 2020. The investigation related to an incident at Scottsdale, Arizona’s Fashion Square Mall on May 30, when Paul entered the mall during a Black Lives Matter protest after police ordered evacuation. Authorities confirmed Paul unlawfully remained inside despite the police order.
Paul denied involvement in any looting or vandalism during the protest, tweeting,
“neither I nor anyone in our group was engaged in any looting or vandalism.”
He later stated in a video that the FBI search was
“entirely related to the Arizona looting situation that happened”
and dismissed unrelated rumors as “absolutely absurd.” Although no charges were filed, his legal team has expressed willingness to cooperate with the inquiry. —Jake Paul, YouTube Personality
James Charles’ Feud Over Makeup Brand Launches
Beauty influencer James Charles entered public conflicts in 2020 shortly after reconciling with Tati Westbrook. He criticized celebrities launching makeup lines, specifically naming Alicia Keys, and later targeted Lauren Conrad’s beauty collection after receiving empty packaging samples. Conrad responded by humorously blaming herself for the mistake, promising corrective action.
Following the controversy, Charles apologized, affirming,
“Lauren and I spoke privately about the misunderstanding & are both good.”
He admitted the videos were meant as jokes but recognized their mistake. —James Charles, Influencer
Myka Stauffer Faces Backlash Over Adoption Decisions
YouTuber Myka Stauffer revealed in May 2020 that she and her husband had placed their adopted son, Huxley, with a new family due to challenges in caring for his autism. Their announcement prompted significant public outrage, with fans accusing them of exploitation. The couple lost brand partnerships and faced investigations into Huxley’s welfare, though authorities eventually closed their case without charges.
Myka has not resumed posting on social media since, but she apologized for
“being so naive when I started the adoption process”
and reassured that
“we were not under any type of investigation.”
—Myka Stauffer, Vlogger
Bryce Hall and Jaden Hossler’s Legal Troubles Over Drug Charges
TikTok stars Bryce Hall and Jaden Hossler were arrested in May 2020 during a cross-country road trip for possession of marijuana and controlled substances, respectively. Both posted bail the following day. Hall later opened up about his efforts to overcome addiction, stating,
“While I’ve messed up in the past, I’m learning and growing… and I will make you proud. I promise.”
—Bryce Hall, TikTok Personality
Alan and Alex Stokes’ Prank Results in Arrest
YouTube duo Alan and Alex Stokes attracted legal consequences after staging a fake bank robbery prank involving an Uber driver, who refused to cooperate and called the police. Irvine authorities intervened at gunpoint, warned the brothers about the dangers of their actions, and arrested them several hours later after a repeat stunt on a university campus.
Facing up to four years in prison, the twins pled guilty to lesser misdemeanor charges, receiving community service and probation. Despite their lawyer’s assertions of innocence, Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer expressed serious concern, remarking,
“These are crimes that could have resulted in someone getting seriously injured or even killed.”
—Todd Spitzer, District Attorney
Shane Dawson’s Downfall and Public Apology on YouTube
Once hailed as YouTube’s “King,” Shane Dawson experienced a rapid fall from grace in 2020 after posting a contentious tweet criticizing beauty influencers. He singled out James Charles as “a young, egocentric, power-hungry guru.” The backlash included criticism of his own problematic past, such as using blackface and other offensive material.
Dawson issued a 20-minute video titled Taking Accountability, admitting,
“I have done a lot of things in my past that I hate,”
and emphasizing his desire to
“own up to everything I’ve done on the internet that has hurt people.”
He acknowledged,
“I should have been punished for things,”
which he was when YouTube suspended monetization on his channels. Dawson later expressed gratitude for being cancelled, crediting it with changing his life. —Shane Dawson, YouTuber
