Sydney Sweeney's advertisement for American Eagle, dubbed "Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans," ignited a fierce controversy over perceived racial messaging and beauty standards, leading critics to label it as reminiscent of eugenics and even "Nazi propaganda."
The situation escalated dramatically when it was revealed that Sweeney is a registered Republican, causing her supporters and detractors alike to weigh in, further polarizing opinions.
President Donald Trump interjected into the fray, praising the ad as the "hottest" campaign, which inadvertently triggered a surge in American Eagle's stock prices by over 23%.
The backlash drew reactions from a range of celebrities, including Lizzo, who humorously mocked the campaign in her music, while others, like Bill Maher, defended Sweeney against accusations from the "woke" crowd.
Amid the social media frenzy, right-wing influencers were accused of exaggerating outrage around the ad, suggesting that the backlash was less widespread than portrayed.
The furor surrounding the advertisement has sparked broader discussions about the intersection of celebrity culture, advertising, and politics, illustrating the complexities of modern media messaging.