Matt Rife is coming to Sydney Sweeney’s defense — and this time, it’s not about her viral American Eagle campaign. The comedian weighed in on the backlash surrounding her Dr. Squatch bathwater soap collab, which has sparked widespread trolling and criticism.
Rife, who has a history of viral social media commentary, took to X (formerly Twitter) Friday night to call out the internet’s unfair attacks on the “Euphoria” star.
“I keep seeing people mad at Sydney Sweeney for noooothing 🙄 She’s learning that the internet is full of absolute garbage losers who will twist anything you say into a c**ty misinterpretation 😮💨 people are awful,” he wrote.
The Bathwater Soap Controversy
Sydney Sweeney recently addressed the online bullying she faced following the launch of her Dr. Squatch soap allegedly made with her bathwater. While the product went viral, many fans and critics mocked the unusual concept, leading to a surge of negative social media commentary.
Rife’s defense highlights a broader issue: online trolls often distort celebrity statements, turning lighthearted or promotional content into controversial talking points.
Not About the American Eagle Drama
It’s worth noting that Rife’s comments did not touch the backlash surrounding Sydney’s American Eagle campaign, which faced criticism over allegations of racism and controversy involving historical references. The ad sparked debate online, but Rife focused solely on the bathwater soap situation, signaling support without wading into all public controversies surrounding Sweeney.
Matt Rife’s Own Controversial History
Fans will remember that Matt Rife has faced backlash himself, most recently for his collaboration with makeup brand e.l.f. The commercial featured Rife alongside drag queen Heidi N Closet as fictional characters “E.l.f.ino & Schmarnes,” promoting affordable cosmetic protection.
Some viewers criticized the brand for hiring Rife, citing his past jokes about domestic abuse from his 2023 stand-up special, “Natural Selection.” Despite the criticism, the campaign moved forward, and the beauty company later apologized for missing the mark.
Sydney Sweeney’s Career Amid Backlash
For Sweeney, both the Dr. Squatch and American Eagle campaigns have brought her immense visibility — but also waves of online scrutiny.
- The Dr. Squatch bathwater soap became a viral sensation, prompting both excitement and ridicule.
- The American Eagle ad drew accusations of insensitivity and sparked debates about celebrity endorsement responsibilities.
Despite the drama, Sweeney has maintained a calm and professional stance, addressing the issues while continuing to work on high-profile projects in Hollywood.
Fans and Social Media Reactions
- Many praised Matt Rife for calling out online bullies, noting that celebrities often face disproportionate criticism.
- Fans are rallying behind Sydney Sweeney, defending her creativity and willingness to try bold marketing ideas.
- The bathwater soap and viral ad campaigns have generated trending hashtags, meme content, and viral reactions across platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and X.
The Takeaway: Celebrities Under Fire Online
The Rife-Sweeney moment is a reminder that internet backlash can often escalate quickly, especially for celebrity product launches. While some campaigns go viral for the right reasons, others attract misinterpretation, trolling, and controversy, regardless of intent.
Matt Rife’s public support underscores how fellow entertainers often step in to defend one another against unfair or exaggerated criticism.
Stay Tuned for More Updates
As Sydney Sweeney continues to push boundaries in her career, fans can expect more controversial campaigns, viral product collabs, and social media sparks.
Do you think Sydney Sweeney deserves the criticism over her bathwater soap collab? Drop your thoughts below and join the conversation!
