Sydney Sweeney recently exhibited a cautious stance on internet culture during an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. The actress hesitated to name a popular TikTok trend, expressing concern over potential online scrutiny.
Sweeney, 28, was a guest on a recent episode, participating in the game "What’s Behind Me?" Host Jimmy Fallon, 51, provided clues about a scene displayed behind Sweeney.
The scene featured three large Labubu dolls performing the "six seven" hand gesture trend at a McDonald’s drive-thru. Fallon guided Sweeney through clues about the popular dolls and the fast-food location.
However, when Fallon described the specific viral hand gesture, Sweeney became visibly nervous. She stated, "I can’t say that!"
Fallon initially mistook her hesitation for the number 69, which carries a sexual connotation. He playfully encouraged her, saying, "No, no! You can say it. Subtract two! I think subtract two from what you’re saying."
Sweeney clarified her discomfort was specifically with the "six seven" trend itself. "No, I can’t say that, that’s the trend!" she responded.
She eventually correctly identified the number as "67." Sweeney then explained her reluctance stemmed from witnessing others face issues for using the phrase online. "I don’t know! I saw people getting into trouble for doing it," she explained.
The segment quickly circulated online, with many users questioning Sweeney’s apprehension. Social media comments included references to her past controversies.
One user on The Tonight Show‘s Instagram commented, "She has great jeans, but won’t say 6-7?" Another added, "So, she draws the line at 67? Right, right 💀."
Sweeney has faced several public relations challenges in the past year. Last summer, she received criticism for an American Eagle advertisement. The campaign tagline, "Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans," was interpreted by some as promoting eugenics due to a perceived pun on "genes."
American Eagle issued a statement in August clarifying the campaign’s intent. The company stated, "’Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans’ is, and always was, about the jeans. Her jeans. Her story."
The statement continued, "We will continue to celebrate how everyone wears their AE jeans with confidence, in their own way. Great jeans look good on everyone."
Sweeney later addressed the controversy in an interview with GQ while promoting her film Christy. She had previously indicated she would not comment on the matter.
"I did a jeans ad. The reaction was definitely a surprise, but I love jeans. I only wear jeans," Sweeney told GQ. "I knew perfectly well what that ad was for, and it was for great jeans; it didn’t affect me at all."
She noted that she was busy filming Euphoria Season 3 and was largely unaware of the online backlash. Sweeney concluded by stating, "I think when I have a topic I want to talk about, people will listen."