American Eagle Pulls Sydney Sweeney Ad After Backlash

Sydney Sweeney's American Eagle ad campaign has drawn widespread backlash for its wordplay on 'jeans' and 'genes,' with critics accusing it of promoting eugenics and echoing white nationalist themes due to Sweeney's appearance and messaging about inherited traits. Social media users, including celebrities like Doja Cat and Gabby Windey, have mocked and criticized the ad for its perceived racial insensitivity and sexualization of Sweeney. Comparisons have been made to Brooke Shields' controversial Calvin Klein campaign from 1980, raising ongoing concerns about the portrayal of genetic 'excellence' and sexualization in fashion advertising. In response to the uproar, American Eagle has removed the ads from its social media platforms. Neither American Eagle nor Sydney Sweeney has publicly addressed the controversy. The incident has fueled broader debates on representation, inclusivity, and cultural sensitivity in the fashion industry.