Stephen Colbert is poking fun at the backlash surrounding Sydney Sweeney’s recent American Eagle ad, which has sparked a fierce cultural debate. The Late Show host addressed the controversy on Wednesday night’s episode, jokingly calling the uproar yet another example of the internet being “mad about something.”
The ad, which features the Euphoria actress posing in denim with a voiceover referencing her “genes,” uses a wordplay comparing “genes” and “jeans.” While some viewers saw it as a lighthearted marketing ploy, critics online accused the brand of promoting racist, pro-eugenics messaging due to its focus on a white, blonde, blue-eyed model.
Colbert aired the ad before mocking the outrage: “Just like Sydney Sweeney, I also carry the gene for sexy commercial scratchy voice — I get it from my uncle on my mother’s side.” He continued, “Some people are seeing something sinister… suggesting the ad promotes eugenics, white supremacy, and Nazi propaganda. That might be a bit of an overreaction — although Hitler did briefly model for Mein Kampfort Fit Jeans.” He ended with a punchline: “How do you say ‘badonk’ in German?”
Not everyone appreciated Colbert’s lighthearted take. Some fans pushed back on social media, arguing that the concerns over racial representation in advertising are valid. Comments ranged from accusations of tone-deafness to critiques of the brand’s decision to cast only a blonde, blue-eyed model.
The controversy has drawn comparisons to a 1980s Calvin Klein ad featuring a young Brooke Shields, which faced similar backlash for perceived sexualization and messaging. Even the White House got involved, with spokesman Steven Cheung tweeting that the ad's backlash represents “cancel culture run amok,” linking it to broader voter discontent from the 2024 election.
The ad continues to spark conversation about media, race, and branding in pop culture.
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