Pop star Lizzo has joined the growing criticism surrounding the Sydney Sweeney American Eagle controversy by posting a humorous meme on Instagram. The image features Lizzo in a denim outfit striking a pose similar to Sweeney’s in the controversial ad, adding a playful twist that caught widespread attention online.
Details of Lizzo’s Meme and Its Underlying Message
In the parody, Lizzo reclines in denim much like Sweeney’s original pose, with the meme captioned
If the Democrats won the election,
implying a call for broader inclusivity in fashion advertising. Lizzo’s caption beneath the image reads, My jeans are black… contrasting directly with Sweeney’s line from the American Eagle ad, My jeans are blue.
Controversy Over Racial Undertones in the American Eagle Campaign
The American Eagle advertisement has triggered backlash for perceived racial coding. Critics have particularly focused on Sweeney’s line,
I guess great jeans run in the family,
interpreting it as a subtle reference emphasizing whiteness. While some viewers considered the phrase an awkward pun, the allegations of dog-whistling intensified the debate.
Other Celebrity Responses Highlight the Divided Public Opinion
Lizzo is not alone in her reaction; singer Doja Cat also mocked the campaign through a viral TikTok, exaggerating Sweeney’s speech with a Southern accent to highlight the ad’s tone. The internet remains sharply divided, with many criticizing the campaign as tone-deaf, while others defend it as harmless marketing.
Background on the ‘Great Jeans’ Campaign and Its Comparisons
The campaign, titled Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans, plays on the pun connecting genes and jeans. One ad features Sweeney discussing her blue genes, while the camera lingers on her figure—a choice which fueled accusations of regressive, male gaze-driven advertising. Critics have likened the campaign to Calvin Klein’s 1980 advertisement featuring then-15-year-old Brooke Shields, which was widely criticized for its sexualization.
Ongoing Impact and Responses to the Backlash
To date, neither Sydney Sweeney nor American Eagle has publicly addressed the controversy. However, as more celebrities add their voices—whether through memes or satire—the conversation questioning what constitutes appropriate and effective advertising continues to intensify. The Sydney Sweeney American Eagle controversy highlights ongoing sensitivities about representation and messaging in fashion campaigns.
