Actress Sydney Sweeney was observed spending a day with her boyfriend Scooter Braun's three children in Los Angeles on Tuesday, a little over a month after she actively participated in wildfire relief efforts in her hometown of Spokane, Washington.
Sweeney, 28, and Braun's children—Jagger Joseph, 11; Levi Magnus, nine; and Hart Violet, seven—were photographed picking up smoothies and strolling through the city. Braun, a 45-year-old former talent manager, shares his children with his ex-wife, Yael Cohen. The couple divorced in 2022.
Sweeney, known for her roles in "Euphoria" and "The White Lotus," has been dating Braun since September 2025. During the outing, she displayed a warm demeanor with Braun's children, at one point draping her arm over one of the son's backs.
Wildfire Relief and Public Reaction
Sweeney's recent public appearance follows her dedicated involvement in aiding her community affected by devastating wildfires in Spokane. In early August, she partnered with organizations such as World Central Kitchen and Women and Children's Free Restaurant to distribute meals. Videos shared on social media showed Sweeney approaching cars to deliver food.
Despite her efforts, some online commentators criticized her actions, drawing parallels to a controversial American Eagle advertising campaign from the previous year. The campaign, which played on the phrase "good jeans" and genetics, faced accusations of promoting harmful ideologies. Some commenters suggested Sweeney's volunteer work was an attempt to improve her public image.
However, many fans defended Sweeney, praising her kindness and commitment to helping others. Comments on social media highlighted her role as a positive role model and expressed appreciation for her selfless actions.
Personal Connection to Wildfire Devastation
Sweeney revealed that members of her own family were impacted by the wildfires. She shared on social media that Spokane, where she grew up and her family still resides, is her home. The actress noted that the fires had drastically altered the lives of countless individuals and that thousands of families, including her relatives, had lost homes, belongings, and businesses.
She emphasized that Spokane, unlike larger cities, often does not receive the same level of national attention and resources. Sweeney provided links to organizations working on the ground, encouraging support for her hometown during its difficult period.
Recalling her family's past, Sweeney mentioned that her maternal family had roots in Spokane. She shared that economic hardship in 2008 led her family to move to Los Angeles, where she began her acting career. Her parents made the decision to remain in Los Angeles after facing job loss and losing their home.
Later, after establishing herself in Hollywood, Sweeney purchased a house that had once belonged to her great-grandparents, describing the experience as deeply meaningful for her family.
The controversy surrounding the American Eagle ad resurfaced following news of her volunteering. The campaign's messaging, which critics interpreted as racially charged, led to significant online backlash, with some comparing it to propaganda. Reports of Sweeney being a registered Republican further fueled criticism on social media. In a subsequent interview, Sweeney addressed the ad, stating her love for jeans and her everyday preference for wearing them, without issuing an apology.