Sydney Sweeney references American Eagle controversy in new advert

EntertainmentLifestyle
15 Apr 2026 • 9:54 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Sydney Sweeney references American Eagle controversy in new advert

  • Sydney Sweeney faced public backlash last summer for an American Eagle ad featuring the slogan “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Genes”, which critics linked to eugenics.
  • The original campaign, which showed Sweeney in jeans, was criticised for its slogan and for featuring a white, blonde Gen Z celebrity.
  • Sweeney has now seemingly referenced the past controversy in a new American Eagle ad for jean shorts, saying, “What brand am I wearing? ... Yeah. That one.”
  • American Eagle previously defended the original tagline, stating it was always about the jeans, while Sweeney later expressed surprise at the reaction and denied supporting divisive views.
  • The initial ad also drew political attention, with some public figures praising the campaign after learning of Sweeney's political affiliation.

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