Cancel culture moves quickly. A single controversial advertisement or poorly planned public relations attempt can turn even the most loved celebrity into the spotlight of public scrutiny. Sydney Sweeney’s recent experience after the American Eagle jeans advertisement received mass criticism has shown this idea perfectly. The question now is whether Sweeney, or any celebrity in her position, should be allowed back into the public eye after similar circumstances. My argument is that celebrities should be given the opportunity to take accountability for, or explain, their actions.

Criticism and accountability are necessary for any public figure. Celebrities hold massive amounts of influence over the general audience, and their actions reach far beyond their own bubble. However, not all mistakes are equally serious, and the speed and scale of social media outrage tend to blow minor controversies out of the water. In Sweeney’s case, the backlash over a clothing advertisement did not inflict tangible harm, and was largely fueled by perception amplified online to seem like an issue with American propaganda. However, returning to the spotlight too quickly would create another wave of criticism about insensitivity or being too opportunistic, while waiting too long risks losing relevance entirely in the fast-paced media world. The broader cultural lesson is that cancel culture should be balanced and there is not one true answer to how celebrities should come back from being cancelled. When public figures show reflection and improvement, society can respond with acceptance but there will always be people who hang onto the past.

Encouraging accountability among high-profile public figures is essential for fostering demonstrated growth, and providing opportunities for redemption benefits both the individual and the wider cultural conversation about responsibility.

The views in this column do not necessarily reflect the views of the HiLite staff. Reach Amy Xu at [email protected].