Sydney Sweeney and Scooter Braun are reportedly overwhelmed by intense public backlash following the revelation of their romance, which began after they attended Jeff Bezos’ $55 million wedding in Italy, compounded by controversy over Sweeney’s American Eagle ad, leaving the couple taking things slow while navigating media scrutiny and fan criticism.

Sydney Sweeney and music mogul Scooter Braun are reportedly feeling “overwhelmed by the backlash” after news of their romance made waves across social media and entertainment circles, sources tell ET.

The couple, who are described as “taking things slow,” first sparked rumors of their relationship in June when they were both photographed attending Jeff Bezos’ lavish $55 million wedding in Italy.

That appearance marked the first public hint that the two might be romantically linked, but since then, their pairing has ignited intense discussion, criticism, and even online boycotts.

According to insiders, the timing of their relationship’s public revelation couldn’t have been more contentious.

Around the same time as the romance news, Sydney Sweeney drew widespread attention—and controversy—for her appearance in a recent American Eagle campaign.

The ad, which featured the actress in a provocative pose, sparked backlash from social media users and led to calls for boycotts.

The dual controversies compounded, amplifying scrutiny on both Sweeney and Braun, and placing their fledgling relationship under an intense microscope.

For Braun, who has managed some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift, the timing was also sensitive.

Sources say the backlash targeted both Braun and Sweeney, with some fans of his clients feeling protective and critical of his new public relationship.

“Scooter is used to media attention, but the combination of Sydney’s controversial ad and the high-profile nature of their romance has been a lot to process,” an insider said.

“They’re both taking things slow because they don’t want the outside noise to interfere with what they’re building.”

Despite the scrutiny, friends close to the couple stress that Sweeney and Braun remain focused on one another.

“They enjoy each other’s company and are genuinely interested in getting to know each other,” a source told ET.

“But they are very aware of the public’s reaction and are trying not to let it overshadow their personal lives.

” While some media outlets have speculated about the potential for a serious relationship, those close to the pair caution that it is still early days, emphasizing that the couple is not rushing into anything.

The attention surrounding Sweeney and Braun also highlights the challenges faced by public figures whose personal lives intersect with high-profile controversies.

Sydney, who has steadily built her career through standout roles in Euphoria, The White Lotus, and Everything Everywhere All at Once, has navigated a landscape where her professional choices are closely scrutinized.

Meanwhile, Braun, known for his influence in shaping modern pop music careers, is no stranger to fan reactions, but even he is reportedly “taken aback” by the intensity of the criticism.

Industry observers note that the couple’s ability to manage public pressure may shape how their relationship evolves.

“Being in the spotlight means every action is amplified,” said one entertainment analyst.

“When two people from such high-profile spheres come together, it’s inevitable that there will be opinions, backlash, and speculation—but how they handle it publicly and privately can set the tone for their future.”

While social media has been a major venue for commentary and criticism, insiders report that Sweeney and Braun are making a conscious effort to maintain privacy.

Friends describe them as keeping communications largely behind closed doors, avoiding public displays of confrontation or defensive statements.

“They are not responding to every rumor or every online comment,” the source explained.

“They want to focus on the relationship itself, not the spectacle around it.”

As fans continue to debate the pairing online, the couple is reportedly prioritizing personal connection over public perception.

Whether the relationship will withstand the scrutiny remains uncertain, but for now, Sweeney and Braun appear committed to exploring their connection while navigating the challenges of fame.

The combination of celebrity romance, controversial advertising campaigns, and devoted fan bases has created a perfect storm of media attention, leaving both parties to carefully chart their next steps.

For Sydney Sweeney and Scooter Braun, what began as a potentially private connection at an ultra-exclusive wedding in Italy has turned into one of the most talked-about celebrity pairings of the year, demonstrating both the pressures and the unpredictability of life in the public eye.

Amid the backlash, they continue to move cautiously, emphasizing their desire to build something meaningful without being derailed by outside noise, while fans and media alike watch closely to see how the story unfolds.