American Eagle Faces Backlash Over Sydney Sweeney Ad

American Eagle's denim campaign featuring Sydney Sweeney ignited controversy, with critics accusing it of promoting exclusionary beauty standards and alleged eugenics-related messaging tied to Sweeney's blond, blue-eyed appearance. The backlash intensified as social media influencers and celebrities, including Lizzo, voiced criticism, while Danica Patrick and Sen. Ted Cruz publicly defended Sweeney and dismissed the uproar. Lizzo herself faced backlash for creating an AI-generated parody of the ad, accused of fostering division and failing to credit the meme's creator. A widely circulated satirical apology attributed to American Eagle has not been confirmed by the brand, which has quietly updated campaign visuals for greater inclusivity but issued no formal statement. Despite the controversy, the campaign drove strong sales, with featured jeans selling out and proceeds supporting mental health and domestic violence initiatives. The incident highlights the challenges brands face in navigating rapidly evolving social media controversies and cultural sensitivities.