2025-08-03 00:00:38.992

American Eagle Outfitters faced backlash over its denim ad campaign starring Sydney Sweeney. Critics raised concerns about race and Western beauty standards. The company responded on Instagram, stating the campaign was always about the jeans and their intention was to celebrate how everyone wears their jeans confidently. A teaser video, using a pun on "genes" and "jeans", caused particular controversy, with some critics interpreting it as a reference to eugenics. Despite the negative reception, some marketing experts argued that any buzz, even negative, can be beneficial for a brand.

2025-08-02 12:00:29.53

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.