A recent American Eagle ad campaign featuring actress Sydney Sweeney has ignited a fiery debate online, drawing criticism for alleged insensitivity and sparking strong reactions from political figures who decry the backlash as “cancel culture.”
The “Great Genes” Campaign Sparks Debate
American Eagle’s new “Great Genes” campaign, starring Euphoria actress Sydney Sweeney, aimed to cleverly play on the words “genes” and “jeans.” The brand intended to highlight Sweeney’s beauty alongside their denim product.
However, the campaign quickly faced an unexpected wave of criticism. Many viewers interpreted the phrase “great genes,” paired with Sweeney, a white woman with blonde hair and blue eyes, as promoting eugenics or implying racial superiority. This interpretation led to accusations of insensitivity and poor taste.
A White House Voice Calls Foul
Amidst the growing controversy, Steven Cheung, a representative for the White House, weighed in via a post on X (formerly Twitter). He vehemently criticized the backlash, labeling it “moronic” and an example of “cancel culture run amok.”
Cheung went further, linking the online reaction to broader political sentiments. He suggested that such “warped, moronic, and dense liberal thinking” was a significant factor in how Americans voted in the 2024 presidential elections, referencing Donald Trump’s victory.
Conservative Commentators Defend Sweeney
Adding to the chorus of defense for Sweeney and the ad was American journalist and attorney Megyn Kelly. She echoed Cheung’s sentiments, strongly condemning the critics whom she described as “lunatics on the Left.”
Kelly asserted that the ad was clearly a reference to Sweeney’s physical appearance and not her racial background. She expressed frustration that celebrating a white woman’s beauty seemed to upset a particular segment of society, fueling the “cancel culture” narrative.
American Eagle Responds to the “Noise”
American Eagle itself has addressed the controversy, largely dismissing the intense online reaction. An insider reportedly told TMZ that the brand considers the “absurd response from some corners of the internet” to be mere “noise” that doesn’t reflect the true feelings of their customer base.
Despite the uproar, American Eagle has maintained its support for Sweeney. The brand plans to release a limited-edition line of jeans named after the actress, with proceeds slated to benefit Crisis Text Line, a non-profit organization offering mental health support.
Controversy: A Win for the Brand?
While the ad has certainly generated a significant amount of negative attention and heated debate, some observers argue that the controversy might inadvertently benefit American Eagle.
The constant discussion across social media platforms has undoubtedly boosted the campaign’s visibility and the brand’s overall traction, proving that sometimes, all publicity is indeed good publicity.
- American Eagle’s “Great Genes” ad with Sydney Sweeney sparked controversy over its intended wordplay versus perceived eugenic undertones.
- White House representative Steven Cheung and journalist Megyn Kelly denounced the backlash as “cancel culture” and linked it to broader political trends.
- American Eagle has largely dismissed the criticism as “internet noise” and continues to support the campaign and Sweeney.
- Despite the negative attention, the widespread discussion may ultimately benefit the brand by increasing public awareness.
This incident highlights the fine line brands walk in modern advertising, where intentions can easily be misinterpreted and online reactions quickly escalate into cultural and political flashpoints.
