Sidney Sweeney’s recent advertisement for American Eagle, titled “Good Jeans,” has sparked some backlash, adding to the actress’s history of facing criticism. Last year, Sweeney found herself in hot water when a photo from her mother’s surprise 60th birthday went viral. The picture featured guests wearing customized “Make Sixty Again” hats, and it quickly led to negative reactions.
In another instance, she was involved in gossip regarding her co-star Glenn Powell during filming, although both have denied those rumors. Despite the continuous scrutiny, Sweeney has built what brand expert Eric Schiffer describes as a kind of “reinforced bunker” around her image, allowing her to navigate controversies relatively unscathed.
“Only a radioactive felony mugshot could stab her iron-covered beloved position – otherwise, critics hit the air.” – Eric Schiffer
Doug Eldridge, a PR expert, points out three reasons Sweeney has managed to “dance among the raindrops” despite controversies: her dedicated fan base, the evolving political and cultural climate, and the nature of the controversies themselves. These factors contribute to her ongoing appeal to brands and filmmakers alike.
American Eagle released Sweeney’s ad campaign this week, which had mixed reactions online. While some criticized it, dubbing it “woke” or even offensive, others praised it for being clever. The ad features the slogan, “Sidney Sweeney has great genes,” which some noted has problematic historical undertones associated with race.
In one segment, Sweeney discusses the genetic traits passed down through families, leading to grievances echoed on social media. Comments ranged from confusion over the ad’s messaging to accusations of racial insensitivity. However, some defended the campaign as simply a playful take on jeans without any deeper agenda.
In response to the backlash, American Eagle clarified that the focus of the campaign was on jeans and promoting confidence in their wearers. In past controversies, Sweeney has expressed her frustration at how innocent events, like her mother’s birthday, were misconstrued as political statements.
Notably, Sweeney has also been at the center of romantic speculation, especially related to her co-star Powell, which has made headlines following their recent film’s premiere. While both have addressed rumors about their relationship, Sweeney’s engagement to Jonathan Davino was called off earlier this year. All in all, it seems Sweeney continues to capture public interest, both for her work and her personal life.
