US Edition
Sydney Sweeney ‘good genes’ ad courts controversy
UNITED STATES, JUL 29 – The campaign's pun on 'genes' sparked social media backlash over alleged eugenics references while boosting American Eagle's stock by 10%, with proceeds aiding mental health charity.
- Sydney Sweeney starred in American Eagle's July 22, 2025 ad campaign titled 'Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans,' which quickly sparked widespread controversy online.
- The ad's pun on 'great genes' and 'great jeans' triggered backlash because it echoed language historically linked to eugenics and white genetic superiority.
- TikTok users and commentators accused the campaign of promoting 'Nazi propaganda' and a racialized dog whistle, while some defended the brand's intention and Sweeney's image.
- In the five days following the ad launch, American Eagle’s stock rose by almost 17%, highlighting strong market response despite the controversy, while the company positioned the campaign as a nod to classic denim styles.
- The controversy highlights ongoing cultural tensions around branding language, with experts urging diverse perspectives in marketing to avoid reinforcing harmful ideologies.
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31 Articles
31 Articles
Sydney Sweeney ‘good genes’ ad courts controversy
An ad campaign from American Eagle featuring actress Sydney Sweeney has sparked backlash over what users on social media have deemed racist undertones — or overtones, some say. Much of the criticism has swirled around the campaign’s title: “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans,” a play on “good genes.” “Genes are passed down from parents to…
·Washington, United States
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Sydney Sweeney's new American Eagle ad sparks controversy over "Good Genes" line: "That's N*zi propaganda"
Sydney Sweeney's latest denim campaign for American Eagle has landed her in the middle of an unexpected online firestorm - and it's all because of a pun. The 27-year-old
·Barcelona, Spain
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Total News Sources31
Leaning Left11Leaning Right7Center8Last UpdatedBias Distribution42% Left
Bias Distribution
- 42% of the sources lean Left
42% Left
L 42%
C 31%
R 27%
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