American Eagle Shuts Down Sydney Sweeney Ad Backlash: ‘Social Media Isn’t Real Life’

American Egle Responds to backlash

American Eagle has officially responded to the controversy surrounding its latest ad campaign featuring Euphoria star Sydney Sweeney. The ad, which uses a wordplay on “genes and jeans,” has come under fire online for its perceived offensive undertones. Critics slammed the campaign as tone-deaf and even accused it of promoting white supremacist ideals. But American Eagle is pushing back, calling the outrage “absurd” and dismissing it as internet noise.

70% of Customers Support the Ad, Says Poll

An internal company poll shows that 70% of American Eagle’s customer base supports the ad. According to insiders who spoke to TMZ, the primary goal of the campaign was to promote their jeans while raising awareness about domestic violence. “This is yet another example of how social media doesn’t reflect real life,” an executive said. “The absurd response from some corners of the internet is absolutely not how American Eagle’s customers feel.”

American Eagle – Jeans, Genes, and Controversy

In the ad, Sydney Sweeney says, “Genes are passed down from parents to offspring… my jeans are blue,” tying the concept of DNA traits to denim. The wordplay was meant to be lighthearted, but it sparked outrage online. Some viewers interpreted it as promoting Eurocentric beauty standards by focusing on features like blue eyes, blonde hair, and thin bodies. TikTok creators called it a “Nazi-coded” campaign, accusing the brand of glorifying racial purity.

Celebs and Officials Enter the Debate

Rapper Doja Cat mocked Sydney’s voice and delivery in a viral TikTok, adding fuel to the fire. TV host Megyn Kelly came to Sweeney’s defense, calling the backlash “lunacy from the Left.” White House communications head Steven Cheung also weighed in, labeling the criticism as “cancel culture gone mad” and blaming it for polarizing voters.

Brand Pushes Forward with Cause-Based Campaign

Despite the controversy, American Eagle is moving ahead with plans to launch a limited-edition collection featuring Sydney. Proceeds from the sale will go to Crisis Text Line, a nonprofit that provides mental health support. “Whatever people feel about the ad, we hope everyone agrees we must support those affected by domestic violence,” said the AE spokesperson.