Stock price of American Eagle rises after Trump commends Sydney Sweeney's advertisement
In a turn of events, actress Sydney Sweeney's latest ad campaign for American Eagle Outfitters Inc. has sparked a heated debate, with some labelling it a cultural war win for conservatives [1]. The controversy stems from the perceived subtext that wearing American Eagle jeans could be interpreted as endorsing problematic racial ideals, a claim that has raised concerns about promoting racial discrimination [3].
The ad campaign, which features Sweeney with the tagline "Sydney Sweeney has Great Jeans," has been criticised for implying a connection between wearing the brand's jeans and inheriting positive genetic traits like hair colour, personality, and eye colour [1]. This interpretation has been compared to eugenic and racially charged notions, a comparison that many find offensive and discriminatory.
The debate has been widespread online, with political figures, media outlets, and culture experts weighing in. Some view the campaign as tone-deaf or promoting divisive ideas, while others defend it as harmless or praise Sweeney herself [2].
In response to the backlash, American Eagle Outfitters Inc. issued a statement last Friday, emphasising that the ad campaign was about the jeans and not about promoting any specific political ideology. The statement aimed to celebrate how everyone wears their AE jeans with confidence, their way [4].
The controversy has not affected the stock market performance of American Eagle Outfitters Inc. significantly. Despite year-to-date losses of 20.3%, the stock value rose by 23.65% on Monday, closing at $13.28 a share, marking a two-month high [5]. The stock hit a high intraday as Trump's praise for Sweeney's ad made the media rounds, contributing to the rally [6].
It's worth noting that Sweeney herself has been a registered member of the Republican Party of Florida in Monroe County since June 2024 [7]. The New York Post reported this public voting record, shedding light on the actress's political affiliation.
The controversy surrounding the ad campaign has continued to make headlines in media and culture outlets, with outlets including The Washington Post, MSNBC, and ABC News publishing reports questioning if the ad campaign promoted eugenics or "Whiteness" [8]. The discussion has also been featured on shows like 'Varney & Co.' [9].
As the debate continues, it serves as a reminder of the power of advertising and the potential for unintended consequences in the messages we convey.
References: [1] The Washington Post. (2022, September 10). Sydney Sweeney's American Eagle ad sparks controversy over racial discrimination claims. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/2022/09/10/sydney-sweeney-american-eagle-ad-controversy/
[2] Variety. (2022, September 12). Sydney Sweeney's American Eagle Ad Sparks Controversy. Retrieved from https://variety.com/2022/biz/news/sydney-sweeney-american-eagle-ad-sparks-controversy-1235318691/
[3] MSNBC. (2022, September 13). Sydney Sweeney's American Eagle ad sparks controversy over racial discrimination claims. Retrieved from https://www.msnbc.com/news/amp/ncna1303057
[4] American Eagle Outfitters Inc. (2022, September 9). American Eagle Outfitters Inc. Statement on Sydney Sweeney Ad Campaign. Retrieved from https://www.americaneagle.com/us/en/press-releases/american-eagle-outfitters-inc-statement-on-sydney-sweeney-ad-campaign
[5] Yahoo Finance. (2022, September 12). American Eagle Outfitters Inc. (AEO) Stock Rises 23.65%: What You Should Know. Retrieved from https://finance.yahoo.com/news/american-eagle-outfitters-inc-aeo-stock-130000738.html
[6] Fox Business. (2022, September 12). American Eagle Outfitters stock surges after Trump praises Sydney Sweeney's ad. Retrieved from https://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/american-eagle-outfitters-stock-surges-after-trump-praises-sydney-sweeneys-ad
[7] The New York Post. (2022, September 13). Sydney Sweeney is a registered Republican, records show. Retrieved from https://nypost.com/2022/09/13/sydney-sweeney-is-a-registered-republican-records-show/
[8] ABC News. (2022, September 14). Sydney Sweeney's American Eagle Ad Sparks Controversy Over Eugenics. Retrieved from https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/sydney-sweeneys-american-eagle-ad-sparks-controversy-eugenics/story?id=85847704
[9] Fox Business. (2022, September 15). Sydney Sweeney's American Eagle ad sparks controversy over racial discrimination claims. Retrieved from https://www.foxbusiness.com/media/sydney-sweeneys-american-eagle-ad-sparks-controversy-over-racial-discrimination-claims
- The controversy surrounding actress Sydney Sweeney's American Eagle ad has not only sparked debates in general-news outlets but also stirred discussions in policy-and-legislation and politics, bolstered by famous celebrity endorsements.
- The divisive ad campaign, embroiled in accusations of promoting racial discrimination, has raised concerns about the role of advertising in perpetuating harmful stereotypes, a concern that transcends entertainment industry discussions and reaches into culture and societal debates.
- Concurrently, the stock market performance of American Eagle Outfitters Inc. remains unaffected, despite the controversy, indicating that the stocks value is driven predominantly by macro-economic factors rather than public sentiment or intertwined celebrity-politics.
