Celebrities are entering the escalating Sydney Sweeney controversy, and the situation is becoming more complicated with each passing moment.
In a recent turn of events, the advertising campaign for American Eagle's new denim line featuring actress Sydney Sweeney has sparked controversy due to accusations of racial and eugenics insensitivity. The slogan "Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans" and its genetic-themed messaging have been criticised by some as being tone-deaf, with the phrase "great genes" being linked to white supremacy imagery[1][2].
American Eagle, however, has defended the campaign, stating it was solely about promoting their denim products and encouraging confidence, emphasizing inclusivity by saying "Great jeans look good on everyone"[1][2]. The brand's response has garnered mixed reactions, with some applauding American Eagle and Sydney Sweeney for rejecting "woke" advertising, while others condemned the company for lacking empathy in its response[1].
The controversy has also shed light on Sydney Sweeney's political affiliations. It was revealed that she is registered as a Republican in Florida, which has intensified scrutiny of her role in the ad amid the broader debate[2].
Amidst the backlash, some notable figures have shared their thoughts. Comedian Joe DeVito added, "We're so starved for ads with hot women we're losing it over Sydney Sweeney dressed like she's Jay Leno." Courtney Stodden criticised American Eagle for pushing a hypersexualized "All-American girl" image to sell jeans, while Sen. Ted Cruz defended Sydney Sweeney from the "crazy Left." Megyn Kelly called the backlash "absurd," stating, "There's nothing wrong with being white. It's fine, she can be white, too." JD Vance said the left was blowing it out of proportion, "They're trying to sell, you know, sell jeans to kids in America. And they have managed to so unhinge themselves over this thing."
Danica Patrick didn't seem to see the issue with Sydney's ad, asking, "Can anyone tell me what's wrong with the new AE ads? Very confused." AE stood by the campaign, stating that it was about promoting their denim products and encouraging confidence[1][2].
Notable figures have also taken to social media to express their opinions. Lizzo responded with satire, sharing a fake meme of herself wearing a denim outfit similar to the one Sydney wore in the ad. Elon Musk laughed at how the whole thing brought Sydney more exposure "for her 'good genes." Some critics have also pointed out the hypersexualized nature of some of the videos and the apparent nod to Calvin Klein's controversial 1980 ad with Brooke Shields. Doja Cat mocked Sydney Sweeney's voice on TikTok, while Gabby Windey from The Bachelor and The Bachelorette called the AE videos "terrifying."
Despite the backlash, Sydney herself hasn't directly responded to the controversy. Jeremy London tweeted, "Nobody... And I repeat nobody... Gives a fuck about what Sydney Sweeney is wearing in a stupid commercial." Some critics have continued to discuss the racial and eugenics connotations of the ad, with Desi Lydic criticising the right-wing backlash, including Megyn Kelly for saying that white, blonde, and blue-eyed women are never "allowed" to be celebrated.
[1] [Source 1] [2] [Source 2]
- Despite the controversy surrounding American Eagle's advertising campaign, some celebrities, such as Joe DeVito and Danica Patrick, have expressed admiration for actress Sydney Sweeney's topical entertainment obligations, while others, like Doja Cat and Gabby Windey, have criticized the brand's approach to pop-culture marketing.
- The debate over American Eagle's campaign has extended beyond the fashion industry, with several celebrities, like Lizzo and Elon Musk, weighing in on Sydney Sweeney's role in the advertising world, highlighting the influence of celebrities in shaping public opinion and the intersection of entertainment, politics, and pop-culture.
