Sydney Sweeney Receives Urgent Crisis PR Warning Over ‘Racist’ American Eagle Ad Backlash

This title maintains the core elements—subject (Sydney Sweeney), action (urgent warning from crisis PR experts), and context (racist ad controversy)—while streamlining phrasing for clarity and conciseness.

Sydney Sweeney Sparks Debate with American Eagle Campaign Amid Backlash Over “Great Jeans” Tagline
[Image: Sydney Sweeney in American Eagle campaign with caption: Sydney Sweeney’s ad ignited accusations of racial undertones.]

Sydney Sweeney, 27, faces intense criticism as the face of American Eagle’s fall denim campaign, which features the tagline “Sydney Sweeney has great jeans” — a pun on “great genes.” The campaign’s playful wordplay backfired, with critics accusing it of promoting racial bias and eugenics due to its focus on genetics and Sweeney’s blue-eyed appearance.

In one video, Sweeney stands in front of a poster reading “great genes,” with “genes” crossed out for “jeans.” Another clip shows her stating, “Genes are passed down from parents… My jeans are blue,” while the camera zooms in on her eyes. The campaign remains active on American Eagle’s website, praising her “girl next door charm.”

[Image: Sweeney in the campaign with caption: The tagline “great jeans” replaced “genes,” sparking backlash.]

Silence Fuels Controversy
Neither Sweeney nor American Eagle has publicly addressed the backlash, amplifying scrutiny. Crisis PR expert Eric Schiffer warned DailyMail.com that her silence risks alienating progressive audiences: “Every hour of hush hurls her brand deeper into racial quicksand.” However, he noted conservatives might view her quiet stance as defiance against “manipulative narrative-hijackers.”

Strategic Provocation or Tone-Deaf Mistake?
Some experts argue the controversy was intentional. Publicist Alexandria Hurley called it a “calculated brand evolution,” citing Sweeney’s history of edgy campaigns, like her SNL Hooters skit. “The racial undertones aren’t subtle. This is a play for attention, not respectability,” she said. Jonathon Narvey of Mind Meld PR added, “American Eagle may have anticipated this buzz… controversy drives reach.”

[Image: Eric Schiffer with caption: Crisis expert Eric Schiffer called Sweeney’s silence a “toxic time-bomb.”]

Calls for Accountability
Others urged Sweeney to respond. PR strategist Grayce McCormick stressed, “Acknowledgment would humanize her and model accountability.” BrandNEWS PR’s Alexandria Hammond argued Sweeney bears partial responsibility: “By agreeing to the campaign, she co-signed its message… She sold out.” Conversely, Toni Ferrara of Ferrara Media countered, “Not every controversy needs an apology. Silence isn’t making things worse.”

The Path Forward
As debates rage, Sweeney’s next move is critical. Publicist Courtney Haywood advised, “Own the moment. Acknowledge how it landed and commit to learning.” Whether she addresses the backlash or stays silent, the incident highlights the tightrope brands and celebrities walk in today’s polarized climate.

[Image: Alexandria Hurley with caption: Publicist Alexandria Hurley called the campaign a “calculated” strategy.]

The controversy underscores the risks of blending genetics-themed messaging with marketing — and the power of silence in an era where every word is dissected. For now, Sweeney’s stance remains a Rorschach test for cultural values, leaving audiences divided on accountability versus performative outrage.