Sydney Sweeney’s Bridal Look Just Diverted Attention From American Eagle Ad Chaos
Sydney Sweeney’s recent campaign for American Eagle, featuring the tagline “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans,” has sparked a cultural firestorm. Critics pointed to the pun between “jeans” and “genes,” arguing that it echoes eugenicist messaging and reinforces Western beauty ideals. Many also condemned the ads for their overt sexualization and pandering to the male gaze, with one video showing the camera panning across her jeans-to-torso as she quips, “My jeans are blue.” Sweeney hasn’t released a statement regarding the chaos. However, she just diverted attention from the campaign with a bold look from a bridal designer.
Sydney Sweeney wore a bold bridal look amid American Eagle campaign backlash
Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle campaign divided the nation. American Eagle’s spring 2025 campaign starring the Euphoria actor ignited controversy over its central slogan, “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans.” Critics argued that the wordplay blurred the line between denim and genetics.
The campaign, which included a series of highly produced video ads and billboards, leaned into Sweeney’s image as an all-American beauty. The videos panned slowly across her body, lingering on her jeans-clad curves while she delivered playful lines like “They just fit … naturally.” One particular scene shows Sweeney in a classroom setting, smiling as the phrase “great genes run in the family” appears on a chalkboard. Critics consider this a eugenicist trope and a reinforcement of Eurocentric beauty standards. Detractors accused American Eagle of tone-deaf messaging, suggesting that the brand subtly implied that Sweeney’s physical appeal was biologically superior.
Sweeney isn’t shying from the public eye amid the backlash. Photos from DailyMail.com show her stepping out for a screening of her film, Americana. She wore a light yellow bustier gown, complete with a tulle skirt, from bridal designer Danielle Frankel. Sweeney completed the look with an $18 Bahay Kubo ‘Bahay Headband’ in a matching color and square-toed pumps. While some fans praised the butter-colored look, others didn’t think the headband or dress gave the desired effect.
The ‘Euphoria’ actor was heckled at the premiere
It’s not just Sydney Sweeney’s Americana premiere outfit that’s getting extra press. According to TMZ, she was heckled by a fan at the premiere due to the divisive American Eagle ad.
The publication notes that as Sweeney headed inside, an onlooker shouted, “Stop the ad, that is being racist!” Sweeney didn’t respond.
So far, it doesn’t look like Sweeney has been emotionally affected by the commentary surrounding the ad. On Aug. 3, 2025, she posted several photos and clips to her Instagram Stories showing her preparing for the Americana premiere. The content shows her in the same dress and headband she was photographed wearing after the onlooker heckled her.
Sydney Sweeney’s ad has President Donald Trump’s stamp of approval
Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle ad certainly drummed up controversy — and the company isn’t apologizing.
“We’ll continue to celebrate how everyone wears their AE jeans with confidence, their way,” the company stated. “Great jeans look good on everyone.”
President Donald Trump gave his stamp of approval to the ad after the media discovered that Sweeney was registered as a Republican voter. “Sydney Sweeney, a registered Republican, has the ‘HOTTEST’ ad out there. It’s for American Eagle, and the jeans are ‘flying off the shelves.’ Go get ’em Sydney!” Trump wrote on Truth Social, according to CNBC.
American Eagle continues to reap the benefits of the controversy. After Trump’s supportive post, American Eagle shares rose by 20%. Before the ad, the company struggled with sales growth. The marketing buzz, whether positive or negative, is benefiting the clothing company. How Sweeney will continue to move forward after this debacle remains a mystery.
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