Sydney Sweeney’s Hairstylist Responds to ‘MAGA Bob’ Criticism

Sydney Sweeney’s hairstylist, Glen Oropeza, has defended the actress’s recent hairstyle after it drew widespread criticism online. The backlash followed Sweeney’s appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on December 1, 2023, where she showcased a straight, shoulder-length blonde bob. Commenters likened her look to a “Stepford wife” aesthetic, suggesting it resembled styles associated with conservative women, and some even claimed it was reminiscent of the “MAGA look book.”

Sweeney, known for her role as boxer Christy Martin in the film Christy, faced a wave of negative reactions. Many internet users quipped that her new hairstyle made her look as if she were “running on the Republican ticket in 2028” and compared her to Ivanka Trump. The term “stiff wig” frequently appeared in comments, indicating that some viewers felt her hairstyle lacked authenticity.

The criticism intensified following her controversial advertisement for clothing brand American Eagle, released on July 23, 2025. In the ad, Sweeney stated, “Genes are passed down from parents to offspring, often determining traits like hair colour, personality and even eye colour. My jeans are blue.” While intended as a playful tagline, the phrase was interpreted by some as promoting a eugenic ideology, drawing accusations of white supremacy due to the double meaning of “jeans” and “genes.”

Despite the uproar, Sweeney did not publicly address the criticism, but she received unexpected support from the White House, with statements from Donald Trump reinforcing her position. It also emerged that Sweeney has been registered with the Republican Party since 2024, further fueling speculation about her political affiliations.

Fashion critic Blakely Thornton weighed in on Sweeney’s hairstyle after her Tonight Show appearance, describing it as “the stiffest wig” and comparing the actress to a character from the Hunger Games. In a candid Instagram reel, Thornton criticized Sweeney’s team for what she deemed a deliberate choice of hairstyle for attention, saying, “Why else would you go on a late-night talk show looking like Effie Trinket’s lost niece?”

In response to the backlash, Oropeza took to social media, reportedly commenting, “Wasn’t a wig but you can’t get my girl’s name out of your mouth.” He added, “Take a breath, diva. You can keep trying to spin a narrative, but we all know you just need click bait because your content is TIRED.” This exchange highlighted the tension between public perception and the stylist’s defense of Sweeney’s image.

Thornton did not back down, replying to Oropeza’s comments by questioning his commitment to the actress and the nature of his defense. Their interaction has sparked further discussions about the pressures faced by public figures in the entertainment industry, particularly regarding their appearances and the narratives constructed around them.

The conversation surrounding Sweeney’s hairstyle and her recent advertising campaign illustrates the complexities of celebrity culture in the digital age. As platforms like social media amplify both praise and criticism, public figures like Sweeney navigate a landscape where their choices can lead to significant backlash, regardless of intent.