Controversy ensues as Donald Trump voices his opinion in the dispute over Sydney Sweeney's advertisement
In the realm of advertising, a simple slogan can often spark a flurry of discussion. Such is the case with Sydney Sweeney's latest campaign for American Eagle, whose tagline, "My jeans are blue," has ignited a heated debate.
Sweeney, a 27-year-old actress known for her roles in Euphoria and White Lotus, is the face of the ad. However, it's not just her stylish jeans that have caught people's attention. The phrase "My jeans are blue" has been interpreted by some as a subtle reference to genetics, potentially promoting eugenics - an ideology related to selective breeding that has been discredited.
The controversy escalated when former President Donald Trump voiced his support for the ad, praising Sweeney and American Eagle for being "anti-woke" and aligning with conservative values. Trump's social media post read, "Being WOKE is for losers, being Republican is what you want to be." This endorsement further entrenched the ad in a culture war, with right-wing figures subsequently endorsing the campaign.
The backlash was not limited to Trump's supporters. Some consumers and former employees criticised the brand for what they perceived as a departure from American Eagle's usual inclusive messaging. The company responded by bringing in a strategic communications firm to manage the crisis.
Critics compared the ad's emphasis on "good genes" to eugenics rhetoric, a comparison that some, including Dr. Phil, deemed absurd and offensive. Comparing the ad to Holocaust-related atrocities was also denounced as an "absolute insult."
Despite the controversy, Trump's post on Truth Social ensured that he would also be a topic of conversation. He described the ad as the "hottest ad out there," and his endorsement seems to have had a positive impact on American Eagle's stocks, which jumped by 23.3% following his intervention.
Sweeney's agent has been contacted for comment by our website, and the debate continues to unfold, highlighting the delicate balance between creative expression and societal sensitivities in advertising.
In the escalating debate surrounding Sydney Sweeney's latest advertising campaign for American Eagle, her role as a celebrity and the allure of pop-culture have played a significant part, with many viewing the phrase "My jeans are blue" as a reference to genetics and potentially linked to controversial ideologies. The controversy has further intertwined entertainment and politics, as former President Donald Trump's endorsement of the ad has sparked support from conservative figures, blurring the line between entertainment and pop-culture.
