Sydney Sweeney has faced another backlash over a new holiday advertisement for her lingerie brand, SYRN, after dressing up as characters from beloved Christmas films in a series of revealing looks. The Cindy Lou Who-inspired outfit has particularly upset some internet users.
The campaign was designed to mix festive nostalgia with sensual fashion, but the creative choice has sparked an uncomfortable conversation online. Critics argue that there is a difference between referencing a classic Christmas film and sexualising a character audiences associate with childhood.
Sydney Sweeney Releases Holiday Ad for SYRN
Sweeney's holiday campaign introduces SYRN's festive shop with a playful spin on familiar Christmas films, combining cosy scenes with lace lingerie, satin bows and revealing outfits. The collection features four themes: Comfy, Playful, Romantic and Seductress.
The advertisement opens with Sweeney relaxing on a sofa with an oversized bowl of ice cream, recalling Kevin McCallister's hotel-room antics in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. From there, the video moves through several scenes inspired by recognisable holiday films, giving the lingerie campaign a nostalgic twist.
One look draws inspiration from Cindy Lou Who, the young character played by Taylor Momsen in the 2000 film How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Sweeney wears a plaid outfit and blonde hairstyle reminiscent of the character. The campaign also references The Nightmare Before Christmas, blending familiar festive imagery with the brand's more provocative styling.
Backlash Over 'Sexualising Children's Movies'
The Cindy Lou Who-inspired look quickly became a talking point among users who felt that a childhood character was an odd choice for a lingerie advertisement.
One commenter questioned whether 'sexualizing children's movies is a good move', while another bluntly wrote, 'hey so those are children! hope this helps'. Other reactions were equally direct, with one person writing: 'Dressing up as a child character in lingerie is definitely a choice syd!'
Some critics also objected to what they perceived as a combination of sexualised imagery and childhood innocence. One commenter criticised what they saw as a recurring pattern, describing the childlike theme as 'beyond f*cking disturbing'.
The discussion has also brought renewed attention to Taylor Momsen, who played Cindy Lou Who as a child before becoming the lead singer of The Pretty Reckless. Some commenters referenced the wider history of young actresses being sexualised in the entertainment industry.
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Sydney Sweeney's Most Controversial Campaigns
This is not the first time Sweeney's advertising choices have sparked public discussion, as her 2025 American Eagle campaign also attracted criticism. Its 'Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans' slogan prompted debate over its wordplay and alleged racial undertones, with American Eagle defending the campaign as a celebration of its denim and Sweeney's personal story.
Sweeney's SYRN brand has generated attention beyond its lingerie designs, including a promotional stunt involving bras displayed on the Hollywood sign. The stunt reportedly took place without permission from the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, adding to the publicity surrounding the brand's launch.
More recently, Sweeney faced backlash over her Novig sports prediction campaign, which featured her posing with sports equipment while wearing little to no clothing. Several athletes criticised the advertisement for allegedly sexualising women in sport.
