An insider close to American Eagle has described the backlash to its Sydney Sweeney denim campaign as "absurd," following accusations that the ad carried racist overtones.
According to a source speaking to TMZ, the brand conducted independent polling which found that 71 percent of respondents actually viewed the Sydney Sweeney ad as “appealing.”
The insider said: “The absurd response from some corners of the internet is absolutely not reflective of how American Eagle’s customers feel.”
The source emphasised that the campaign was intended to promote a quality pair of jeans and to support a charitable initiative, with some proceeds reportedly directed to domestic violence prevention. “Anything beyond that is noise that is not registering with the average person,” the insider added.
In the ad, Sweeney buttons up a pair of jeans while explaining genetic terminology, stating: “Genes are passed down from parents to offspring… my jeans are blue.”
Critics claimed the double meaning implied that certain genetic traits—particularly blonde hair and blue eyes—were superior, leading to accusations of covert racism.
Social media has seen significant reaction. On X (formerly Twitter), users described the commercial as “blatant white supremacist eugenicist propaganda,” while others mocked the pun as tone-deaf.
The campaign was also criticised by public figures including Doja Cat on TikTok for its perceived lack of sensitivity.
The insider added that they hope audiences will recognise the campaign’s charitable intent and shift focus toward the company’s philanthropic efforts rather than the controversy.
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