Sydney Sweeney partnered with American Eagle on their recent fall campaign, but the ad quickly sparked criticism for its tagline, “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans.” The phrase, originally written as “Great Genes,” was viewed by many as racially insensitive, igniting a backlash online due to perceived undertones celebrating whiteness and exclusivity.
Details Behind the Campaign’s Message and Public Response
The promotional video posted by American Eagle on Instagram showed Sweeney walking toward a billboard featuring her image and the phrase “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Genes.” She then painted over the word “Genes” to replace it with “Jeans,” referring to the clothing line. Despite the clever wordplay, viewers quickly pointed out that “Great Genes” historically carries connotations linked to ideals of whiteness, thinness, and beauty, which many considered tone-deaf.
One social media user remarked,
This is what happens when you have no ppl of color in a room,
criticizing the brand’s lack of diverse perspective. The commenter added,
I’d expect this from Abercrombie… but not yall,
highlighting disappointment with American Eagle’s oversight. Another fan bluntly wrote,
Welp, no longer shopping at AE ever again, and neither will my future children.
Additional voices urged the company to reconsider their approach, with one fan advising, “Read the room…” Despite the mounting critiques, neither Sydney Sweeney nor American Eagle have made any public statements addressing the backlash.
Current Availability and Promotions Within the Campaign
The Sydney Sweeney collection, known as Syd’s Picks, remains available on American Eagle’s official site, with many pieces currently offered at discounted prices. As the campaign’s lead figure, Sweeney is featured on 3D billboards throughout the United States and on the exterior of Las Vegas’s Sphere landmark. Fans can also interact with a Snapchat lens where Sweeney engages directly with users, while an AI-powered try-on tool allows customers to virtually experience the denim fit—an effort to connect consumers with the “great jeans” theme.
Philanthropic Efforts Linked to the Sydney Jean Collaboration
In addition to the main campaign, Sydney Sweeney collaborated on the limited-edition Sydney Jean, part of American Eagle’s Dreamy Drape collection. This jean features a butterfly emblem symbolizing domestic violence awareness. Importantly, all net proceeds from this item are pledged to Crisis Text Line, a non-profit organization offering free, confidential mental health support and crisis intervention by text.
Implications and Future Considerations for the Brand
The controversy surrounding the ad highlights the critical importance of diverse perspectives in marketing decisions, especially for major brands like American Eagle. The incident may prompt the company to review internal practices to avoid alienating audiences with insensitive messaging. Sydney Sweeney’s widespread presence across multiple platforms and philanthropic initiatives suggests the partnership will continue, but the backlash serves as a reminder of the cultural sensitivities that accompany public campaigns.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How much weight did Sydney Sweeney gain?
A. Sydney Sweeney put on over 30 pounds for the Christy Martin biopic. She mentioned her body changed a lot and her clothes no longer fit. Normally, she is a size 23 in jeans, but during this time, she wore a size 27.
Q. How old is Sydney Sweeney in Madame Web?
A. The 26-year-old actress was recently in Madame Web with Dakota Johnson. The movie received very poor reviews and earned just over $15 million in U.S. theaters during its first weekend.
Q. How many hours does Sydney Sweeney sleep?
A. Sydney Sweeney has never tasted coffee, yet she manages to function on just two hours of sleep.
Q. How old was Sydney Sweeney in Madame Web?
A. Sydney Sweeney understands what it takes to be in another Marvel film. At 26, she appeared in Madame Web with Dakota Johnson. Unfortunately, the movie got poor reviews and made just over $15 million in the U.S. during its first weekend.
