Sydney Sweeney’s controversial jeans ad prompts reaction from Elon Musk

Elon Musk reacts to Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle ad as controversy grows over campaign’s messaging.

Elon Musk has entered the controversy surrounding the recent American Eagle denim campaign featuring actress Sydney Sweeney.

The tagline “Sydney Sweeney has great jeans” triggered criticism over its implied play on “genes,” with commentators labelling it tone‑deaf and racially insensitive.

In response, Tesla’s social media account shared a video showing a robot seated on car seats while apparently examining dye transfer from dark denim.

The caption read, “Our seats robot also has great jeans.” When one commenter queried if the robot was Sydney Sweeney, the account replied: “No, this is Seatney.” Musk then reposted the content, adding, “Testing rubbing jeans on our seats.”

Fans quickly urged Musk to involve Sweeney in the testing process. One user tweeted, “Missed Opportunity. Why not hire Sydney Sweeney to do this?”, while another wrote, “Can we get Sydney Sweeney to help please?”

The original denim campaign has faced widespread scrutiny online, with critics arguing that the slogan’s pun hinted at eugenic undertones. Some commentators referenced historical associations of the term “genes” with notions of genetic superiority.

The backlash gained momentum on social platforms, particularly after a video—since removed from most platforms—showed Sweeney reclining and zipping up her jeans with the voiceover, “My jeans are blue,” which intensified reactions. While analysis on the pun’s intent continues, critics pointed to broader concerns over subtle messaging in advertising.

So far, neither American Eagle nor Sydney Sweeney has issued an official response to the controversy. However, Musk’s humorous intervention via Tesla has drawn additional attention to the debate, prompting further discussion among fans and critics alike.