American Eagle's denim ad campaign starring Sydney Sweeney ignited a firestorm of debate over race and beauty standards, prompting the company to finally respond.
American Eagle Outfitters faced significant backlash over its denim ad campaign featuring Sydney Sweeney. Critics raised concerns about race and Western beauty standards, focusing on a teaser video where Sweeney uses a pun on "genes" and "jeans." The video, which is not part of the main ad campaign, sparked accusations of unintentional or deliberate nods to eugenics. While some defended the campaign, others criticized its potential implications. American Eagle responded by stating the campaign was always about the jeans and their intention was to celebrate how everyone wears their jeans with confidence. Marketing experts offered varying opinions, with some suggesting that generating buzz, even negative buzz, can be beneficial.
