Artist Speaks Out as Sydney Sweeney’s Hollywood Sign Moment Faces Backlash
Demands for legal action against Sydney Sweeney are intensifying following a provocative promotional stunt at the Hollywood Sign. The controversy involves the Euphoria star utilizing the world-famous landmark to advertise her new intimate apparel line, Syrn. This high-profile marketing move has caught the attention of Zach Fernandez, the artist known as Jesushands, who was famously prosecuted for his own modification of the sign years ago.
Fernandez, who modified the landmark to read “HOLLYW*ED” in 2017, has been vocal about what he perceives as a glaring double standard. He pointed out that while he faced arrest and community service for his artistic tribute.
Sweeney’s team seemingly avoided immediate legal consequences for a purely commercial venture. He argued that public perception shifts when the law is applied differently based on the fame of the individual or the nature of the product being sold.
The artist further distinguished his work from Sweeney’s by describing his own act as a piece of cultural commentary and a nod to previous artists. In contrast, he dismissed the actress’s display as nothing more than a brand-backed advertisement that lacked genuine artistic intent. While Fernandez eventually turned his stunt into a lifestyle brand, he maintains that the original act was not designed as a commercial for that company.
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, which oversees the intellectual property of the sign, has officially entered the fray. They clarified that the production was not authorized by their organization and that they had no prior knowledge of the plan. While Sweeney’s team reportedly secured a general filming permit from FilmLA, the Chamber noted that such permits do not grant anyone the right to physically scale or touch the structure.
Despite the mounting legal threats and public outcry, Sweeney has remained defiant. She shared behind-the-scenes footage of herself and a crew, all clad in black, climbing the 50-foot-tall letters under the cover of night to string lines of bras across the landmark. In the video, she even jokingly acknowledges the risk, questioning if she might get caught for the escapade.
Sweeney has defended the vision behind her brand, Syrn, which she describes as an effort to empower women. She explained that she wanted to create a line that actually understands women’s needs rather than just speaking at them. The brand focuses on four core identities, The Seductress, The Romantic, The Playful, and The Comfy, offering a wide range of sizes to promote inclusivity.
The actress is no stranger to public scrutiny, having recently faced bizarre attention from tech mogul Elon Musk. In December 2025, Musk posted AI-generated images referencing Sweeney’s body after her appearance at a film premiere, which fans quickly labeled as inappropriate. The incident drew widespread criticism toward the billionaire, particularly regarding the significant age gap between him and the star.
Sydney Sweeney’s professional life remains packed, with her psychological thriller The Housemaid recently becoming a box-office success. In the film, she stars as Millie Calloway, a live-in employee who uncovers dark secrets within a wealthy household. The movie, directed by Paul Feig, also features Amanda Seyfried and Brandon Sklenar and has been a major talking point for its intense suspense.
Looking ahead to the rest of 2026, Sweeney is set to continue her busy streak with several major projects. She is attached to play Hollywood legend Kim Novak in the biopic Scandalous!, directed by Colman Domingo.
Do you believe that high-profile celebrities should be held to the same legal standards as street artists when using public landmarks for commercial gain? Share your thoughts in the comments.