Sydney Sweeney was observed in New York City on Wednesday wearing attire suited for winter conditions, notwithstanding recent public commentary regarding her appearance.
The 28-year-old actress appeared in a coordinated maroon overcoat, top, and trousers, accompanied by a brown handbag and burgundy heels. She also wore sunglasses and styled her hair in loose curls. Sweeney’s public appearance follows online criticism alleging that her recent styling evoked a “MAGA” aesthetic and involved the use of an artificial hairpiece.
The controversy emerged after Sweeney appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon earlier in the week. Social media commentator Blakely Thornton published a video asserting that Sweeney’s appearance conveyed politically conservative themes and claiming her hairstyle involved “the stiffest wig.”
Thornton also made additional remarks regarding Sweeney and her team, suggesting ideological motivations behind her styling choices. He captioned one segment, “Sydney Sweeney’s gays must be MAGA.”
Thornton later published another video containing screenshots purporting to show a direct exchange between himself and Sweeney’s hairstylist, Glen “Coco” Oropeza. According to the alleged messages, Oropeza denied that Sweeney had worn a wig and accused Thornton of being preoccupied with the actress. Oropeza also dismissed the criticism as an attempt to generate online attention.
Thornton responded with comments referencing Oropeza’s professional obligations and broader cultural fatigue. Daily Mail has requested statements from representatives for both Sweeney and Oropeza, but no public comments have been issued thus far.
Thornton has previously criticized Sweeney’s styling and personal associations, including remarks regarding her attire and attendees at her birthday celebration.
The current dispute follows recent disclosures by Oropeza concerning the development of Sweeney’s updated hairstyle for the Christy premiere. He stated that he and Sweeney sought a significant change to attract attention to the project and described the multi-day process of removing extensions, cutting, and coloring her hair, with assistance from colorist Jacob Schwartz. Oropeza noted that he rejected Sweeney’s suggestion of adding bangs, citing aesthetic concerns.
Oropeza has worked with Sweeney for approximately four years and also styles other public figures.
Earlier in the year, Sweeney became the subject of extensive online controversy after American Eagle released a campaign centered on wordplay involving “good jeans” and “good genes.” Critics asserted that the advertisement promoted themes associated with racial superiority and eugenics. Public reaction intensified after reports circulated that Sweeney is a registered Republican.
Sweeney has previously been involved in similar disputes, including a 2022 incident in which images from her mother’s 60th birthday celebration displayed guests wearing “Make Sixty Great Again” hats and “Blue Lives Matter” apparel, prompting additional criticism on social media.#newsafro_
