American Eagle's statement, TWICE at Lollapalooza, Doechii's first tour, Hulk's return

American Eagle addresses Sydney Sweeney ad controversy

American Eagle has released a statement addressing the backlash over its latest campaign featuring actress Sydney Sweeney, which sparked debate over its bold tagline: “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans,” using ‘jeans’ as play-on for ‘genes.’

“‘Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans’ is and always was about the jeans. Her jeans. Her story. We’ll continue to celebrate how everyone wears their AE jeans with confidence, their way. Great jeans look good on everyone,” the brand wrote in a statement posted to Instagram on Friday.

While some praised the campaign for being playful and empowering, others found the tagline suggestive or tone-deaf. The phrase, a pun on both Sweeney’s denim and her physical appearance, quickly became a lightning rod for criticism.

Brand strategist and communications executive Cheryl Overton suggested the campaign may have been a calculated move to “target the right or far right,” hinting at a broader political and cultural subtext. On the other hand, White House communications director Steven Cheung pushed back against the criticism, calling it “cancel culture run amok.”

TWICE ‘seals the Honmoon’ at Lollapalooza

TWICE delivered a spectacular performance at Lollapalooza 2025, blending their signature K-pop energy with immersive fantasy storytelling and stunning visual spectacle.

Taking over the Bud Light Stage on August 2, the nine-member group thrilled fans with a powerhouse setlist that included fan favorites like “What Is Love?,” “The Feels,” and “Alcohol-Free.”

But it was the final stretch of their performance that truly set the night apart. Members Jeongyeon, Jihyo, and Chaeyoung surprised the crowd by debuting “Takedown,” their track from the animated Netflix film K-Pop Demon Hunters. The song was performed live for the first time, bridging the gap between TWICE’s real-life persona and their animated counterparts from the film’s fictional girl group, HUNTR/X.

Just as the final notes rang out, the sky above Grant Park lit up with an unexpected spectacle: a dramatic drone display that spelled out the message “The Honmoon is sealed.”

Doechii announces tour at Lollapalooza

During her set at Lollapalooza, Grammy winner Doechii has announced that she will be going on her first headlining tour, Live From The Swamp.

The tour's official website went live immediately after, featuring a countdown timer leading to Monday, when full details are expected. Fans are then invited to register their phone numbers to receive early updates, fueling anticipation for dates and venues.

Doechii made history this year for being the third woman to ever win the category Best Rap Album at the Grammys for her second mixtape, Alligator Bites Never Heal. She is also known for her hit singles like “Anxiety,” “Nosebleeds,” and more.

Mark Ruffalo to reprise role as ‘Hulk’

Mark Ruffalo is reportedly returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, reprising his iconic role as Bruce Banner, also known as the Hulk, in the highly anticipated film Spider-Man: Brand New Day.

He will not be the only familiar face joining the cast. Michael Mando is also set to return as Mac Gargan, better known as the supervillain Scorpio, who first appeared in Spider-Man Homecoming.

Ruffalo last appeared as the Hulk in the 2022 Disney+ series She-Hulk: Attorney at Law.

The More You Know

• Cardi B gave fans a sneak peek of her new music while hosting WWE SummerSlam at MetLife Stadium. Her second studio album, Am I The Drama?, is scheduled for release on September 19.

• Son Heung-Min has officially bid farewell to Tottenham after ten seasons with the club. His final match, which ended in a 1-1 draw, was played against the Spurs.

• Kep1er has officially announced their upcoming album titled BUBBLE GUM, set for release on August 19.

• aespa will make their comeback on September 5 with a new album titled Rich Man.

• In an interview with Hits Radio, Sam Claflin spoke fondly of his late Hunger Games co-star Lynn Cohen, saying, “I’d carry that woman anywhere. Honestly, she was such a sweet lady and such a joy to be around. Rest in peace, my love.”

— Bea Bertuldo

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