As one of Hollywood’s most recognized names, Sydney Sweeney has been steadily climbing the show business ladder. From acting to producing, the Euphoria star is now appearing in various brand campaigns, such as in Mermade’s Cheek, Dr. Squatch’s body wash soap. Her latest ad with American Eagle has sparked widespread backlash. Social media users have criticized the denim brand for the Sydney ad, guess why?
Below, Hollywood Life unpacks the criticism surrounding the American Eagle ad featuring Sydney.
What’s the Buzz Around Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle Denim Ad?
Sydney appears in various clips with American Eagle, and the campaign’s message is a straightforward phrase: “Sydney Sweeney has great jeans.” In one video, shared earlier this month, Sydney enters what appears to be an AE audition room and declares herself “local hire.”
“Hi, I’m Sydney Sweeney and I’m from Spokane, Washington,” the Euphoria actress says in the clip, adding that she is available for work as a “local hire.”
In other clips, the brand repeats its tagline, “Sydney Sweeney has great jeans.”
Why the Sydney Sweeney American Eagle Ad is Causing Controversy
Social media users have taken issue with the ad for a few reasons. One primary criticism is that the word “jeans” seemingly was used interchangeably for the term “genes,” as if implying the Immaculate actress “has great genes”. Many have claimed that it has racial undertones, considering Sydney is white.
Another common note is that the ad seems to cater to the male gaze, even though the jeans advertised are for women.
Others also have expressed dissatisfaction, with Sydney attending Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez’s “business wedding” in Italy.
@americaneagle Master of tension. And engines. Grab Syd’s jeans before they’re gone.
Social Media’s Reaction to the Sydney Sweeney American Eagle Campaign
Countless Instagram users have flooded the comment sections of the AE videos in the last few days. One person wrote: “This is what happens when there are no ppl of color [sic] in the room, ESPECIALLY in a time like this. This ad campaign got so caught up in this “clever” play on words that the joke in the room was missed by ppl that was so blatantly obvious to anyone who isn’t white [sic]… I’d expect this from Abercrombie… guess not you.”
“Great! More about sexualization! Really classy American Eagle!” Another social media user sarcastically wrote. A separate commenter even chimed in: “This gives subtle 1930s Germany.”
@americaneagle Sydney in her sensual era. Crispy denim, soft sound, serious style.
Has American Eagle Responded to the Criticism?
No, American Eagle has not shared a statement in response to the backlash at the time of publication.
