American Eagle has finally spoken out about the controversy surrounding its new ad featuring *Euphoria* star Sydney Sweeney, dismissing much of the online backlash as “internet noise.”
The ‘Great Genes’ Controversy
The clothing brand’s latest campaign, playing on the words “genes” and “jeans,” quickly ignited a firestorm across social media. Critics slammed the ad, which features Sweeney delivering a line about “genes” determining traits like hair color and eye color, followed by “my jeans are blue.”
Many viewers found the ad insensitive and accused American Eagle of promoting “white supremacist” ideas by subtly glorifying specific physical traits. Viral TikTok videos even drew parallels to “Nazi-coded” concepts of genetic perfection. Celebrities, including rapper Doja Cat, also chimed in, with Doja mocking Sweeney’s line delivery in a widely shared TikTok video.
American Eagle Stands Its Ground
Despite the widespread criticism, American Eagle is standing firm. Sources close to the company told TMZ that the outrage is largely disconnected from their core customer base. An internal poll reportedly showed that 70% of their customers actually liked the campaign.
An American Eagle executive called the online backlash an “absurd response,” emphasizing that “social media doesn’t reflect real life.”
Beyond the Backlash: A Cause for Good
The brand insists the ad’s intention was twofold: to sell jeans and to raise awareness about domestic violence. They plan to launch a limited-edition collection with Sydney Sweeney, with proceeds benefiting Crisis Text Line, a nonprofit providing mental health support.
The executive reiterated, “Regardless of how people feel about the ad, we hope there’s one thing we can agree on, we need to be doing more to support and empower people facing domestic violence.”
Political Voices Weigh In
The controversy even caught the attention of political commentators. White House Communications Head Steven Cheung criticized the backlash as “cancel culture run amok,” suggesting such reactions are why people voted the way they did in 2024.
TV host Megyn Kelly also defended Sweeney and American Eagle. She labeled the critics as “lunatics on the Left” who were twisting the ad’s meaning. Kelly argued the ad was a reference to Sweeney’s body and style, not her race, asserting that the critics were “missing the point—it’s not about skin colour, it’s about the body, which is what she’s famous for.”
- American Eagle dismisses online backlash to its Sydney Sweeney ad as “internet noise.”
- The ad drew criticism for its “genes and jeans” wordplay, with some accusing it of promoting problematic ideals.
- Internal company polls reportedly show 70% customer approval for the campaign.
- The brand links the campaign to a charitable cause, aiming to raise awareness and funds for domestic violence support.
- Political figures have also weighed in, defending the ad against “cancel culture.”
This incident highlights the growing tension between online discourse and brand perception, especially when celebrity endorsements and sensitive topics converge.
