Latest news with #AmericanEagleOutfitters
News.com.au
a day ago
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Backlash over Sydney Sweeney's racy new ad campaign
Sydney Sweeney is being slammed by fans for allegedly promoting 'Nazi propaganda' with her new 'Great Jeans' ad for American Eagle Outfitters. The clothing brand announced last week that the Euphoria star would be spearheading its new campaign under the tagline, 'Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans.' In one of the ads, the 27-year-old actress, dressed in full denim, walked toward an American Eagle billboard and painted over it. The word 'Genes' was crossed out with a white line to be corrected to 'Jeans.' In another one of the campaign videos, the actress can be seen buttoning and zipping up her jeans while lying down. A voiceover features Sweeney talking about how genes that are passed from parent to offspring often determine traits such as 'hair colour, personality and even eye colour.' Sweeney, who has blue eyes, ended the video by looking at the camera and saying, 'My jeans are blue.' Several TikTok users called out the ad for allegedly being 'Nazi propaganda' and a 'racialised dog whistle,' arguing that it praised Sweeney's genetic traits of blond hair and blue eyes. 'When those traits are consistently uplifted as genetic excellence, we know where this leads,' said one TikTokker. 'This just echoes pseudoscientific language of racial superiority. All throughout history, those traits have been weaponised to uphold a racial hierarchy,' she added. Several fans agreed with the TikTok user's sentiments and shared their disdain for the ad in the comments section of American Eagle's post. 'Who approved this campaign,' wrote one user. 'This is what happens when you have no ppl of colour in a room. Particularly in a time like this. This ad campaign got so caught up in this 'clever' play on words and this stunt the ppl in the room missed what was so blatantly obvious to anyone not white,' added another. 'Never shopping at AE again,' declared a third person. 'Jesus Christ – this is such a f**ked up campaign,' commented a fourth person, while another said: 'It's giving 'Subtle 1930s Germany.'' Page Six has reached out to American Eagle and a rep for Sweeney for comment.
Newsweek
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Sydney Sweeney Fronts Ad Campaign for Jeans—Sparks Debate About Eugenics
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Sydney Sweeney has come under fire for her appearance in a controversial new ad campaign with denim brand American Eagle. The Euphoria star fronts the label's fall denim collection under the tagline: "Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans." The pun has drawn widespread backlash on social media and reignited conversations about racism, eugenics, and the historical exploitation of women in advertising. The ad features Sweeney, 27, speaking directly to the camera. "Genes are passed down from parents to offspring, often determining traits like hair color, personality and even eye color … my genes are blue," she says, while seductively buttoning up a pair of jeans. The wordplay between "jeans" and "genes" is presented as a clever twist—but critics argue it is far more insidious. Newsweek reached out to Sydney Sweeney's publicist and the American Eagle press office for comment via email. Sydney Sweeney crouches in a denim shirt and jeans from the 2025 American Eagle collection. Sydney Sweeney crouches in a denim shirt and jeans from the 2025 American Eagle collection. American Eagle Outfitters/American Eagle Outfitters Advertising expert Robin Landa, a professor at Michael Graves College at Kean University, told Newsweek: "The campaign's pun isn't just tone-deaf—it's historically loaded." Landa said that the phrase "good genes" was once central to American eugenics ideology, which promoted white genetic superiority and enabled the forced sterilization of marginalized groups. Sydney Sweeney reclines in an American Eagle denim with the tagline "Sydney Sweeney has great jeans." Sydney Sweeney reclines in an American Eagle denim with the tagline "Sydney Sweeney has great jeans." American Eagle Outfitters/American Eagle Outfitters Landa added that, when major brands use language with such weight, they risk reinforcing harmful ideologies under the guise of clever messaging. Landa said that careless wordplay in advertising can help normalize exclusionary beliefs with consequences that extend far beyond product sales. While the campaign ignited outrage across Threads and TikTok, American Eagle's stock has reportedly surged by 4 percent since the ad's release on Wednesday, suggesting a commercial win—even amid cultural controversy. Reactions on social media were divided. Threads user @goodlifebreeze wrote: "I think the play on 'GREAT JEANS' and 'GREAT GENES' was brilliantly placed. Throwing Sydney in there was good since she's that chick right now. BUT, here's where I step to the side—American History is ugly asf [as f***] … so ugly and deep that Black ppl [people] + and the ppl who 'knows what's up' pick on the micro-aggressions, see the invisible ink, hear the heavy heartbeats + smell the scent of PREJUDICE + RACISM." Another user, @ephem3ra, said they initially thought the ad was simply sexualizing Sweeney to sell jeans, but changed their mind and noticed the racialized undertones after seeing the full version: "But THIS one? Yeah, I see it." Writer and TikTok user E.B. Johnson also weighed in, garnering over 100,000 views for their take. In a widely shared video, Johnson noted that the ad seemed to echo a specific line from vintage Calvin Klein commercials: "The secret of life lies hidden in the genetic code." @therealebjohnson For me, I question any woman who willingly engages in 'head nods' to nympette and coquette culture. ♬ original sound - E.B. Johnson • Writer These ads starred actress Brooke Shields, beginning when she was just 14, and became infamous for their sexualization of a minor. Johnson expressed concern over the homage, questioning why adult women today—like Sweeney—are still willing to recreate or reference advertising that originally caused such harm. Johnson said: "We really have to question ourselves. Why are these women so willing to engage in media and culture that promotes moments like this … for the bag?" However, not everyone agreed. "This Sydney Sweeney outrage is so stupid. Dear liberal white women, stop making us look bad. It's not a dog whistle. It's just marketing. It's not any different from the soap with her bath water in it," said Threads user @ashbart90. There has been increased attention to Sweeney's growing association with conservative-leaning symbols in pop culture. In a recent Newsweek article, the actress was linked to the viral "Hot Conservative Girl" trend, joining others such as internet personality Haliey Welch in being embraced as a kind of Republican cultural icon. That growing alignment, combined with the subtext of the American Eagle campaign, has only fueled further scrutiny of Sweeney's public image.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Sydney Sweeney just sent this American stock soaring
A US clothing brand has seen its share price surge in a 'memestock' frenzy after announcing an advertising campaign featuring actress Sydney Sweeney. Clothing brand American Eagle Outfitters saw its stock jump as much as 12pc in New York after it announced that the Euphoria and The White Lotus actress would star in a new advertising push. The surge added nearly $228m (£168m) to its market value. Ms Sweeney will appear in a campaign for its winter denim collection that includes a limited-edition jacket as well as 'The Sydney Jean'. While advertising campaigns can and do influence a company's performance and Ms Sweeney is one of the most recognisable actresses in the US, analysts said the scale of the share price jump was untethered from reality. The sharp upswing comes after the retailer gained attention on Reddit's WallStreetBets, a forum known for fuelling so-called extreme rallies in the share prices of so-called memestocks. Memestocks are companies where the share price is driven by social media hype and online communities, rather than the company's fundamental financial performance. The phenomenon emerged during the pandemic as people turned to trading as a way to entertain themselves during lockdowns. 'Gamblification' of stock markets The term memestock was coined after companies including GameStop and Blackberry saw their share prices surge in 2021 despite little in the way of updates about their underlying performance. The vertiginous rally triggered the collapse of a hedge fund that had bet against GameStop's stock and helped inspire the 2023 film Dumb Money starring Paul Dano. American Eagle's stock was down almost 50pc so far this year prior to this week's rally after it pulled its annual forecasts because of tariff uncertainty. The company primarily sources its products from China. Ross Mayfield, an analyst at Baird Private Wealth Management, said memestocks were a symbol of how stock markets had been 'gamblified'. He said: 'It says to me nothing about the level of interest rates or financial conditions. This is retail traders moving individual stocks that are heavily shorted. 'It reflects more the gambling culture permeating financial markets. These are not being bid up because of a good earnings report. It's because of a Sydney Sweeney ad campaign.' Ms Sweeney, who has 25.2m followers on Instagram, has fronted campaigns for the likes of Ford, Baskin-Robbins ice cream and luxury fashion brand Miu Miu. As well as being known for her screen roles, Ms Sweeney has become a prominent figure in popular culture and found herself wrapped up in North American culture wars. After her appearance hosting Saturday Night Live, in which she appeared in a sketch as a Hooters waitress, Canadian newspaper the National Post that declared the actress's breasts were the 'double-D harbingers of the death of woke', a claim that sparked a wave of commentary on both sides of the political spectrum centring on her physical appearance. Meanwhile, Ms Sweeney was criticised by commentators on the Left in 2023 after she attended a birthday party for her mother where guests were pictured wearing Maga-style caps. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
New York Post
5 days ago
- Business
- New York Post
Sydney Sweeney's steamy new ad campaign for American Eagle turns teen retailer into latest ‘meme stock'
American Eagle Outfitters shares soared into 'meme stock' territory — after the teen retailer revealed Sydney Sweeney is leading a steamy new ad campaign for the fall. The company's shares surged nearly 10% on Thursday after it unveiled its new marketing blitz, which features the 'Euphoria' star sporting a denim jacket over her otherwise bare torso. In a sultry video spot, Sweeney leans under the open hood of a vintage Mustang GT350 in a tight tank top, then slams the hood shut — and wipes her hands on her butt before hopping into the car and peeling off. Advertisement 6 Sydney Sweeney fronts American Eagle's fall denim campaign, helping ignite meme stock buzz around the brand. American Eagle The edgy ads appeared to defy the 'wokism' lately embraced by some major brands — sometimes with disastrous effects, according to commenters on social media. 'Based ad campaigns are back, and wokery is gasping for breath,' commented X user Zia Yusuf — using the Gen Z term 'based' that typically signifies something which is controversial yet true. Advertisement 'Take note Jaguar,' Yusuf added, referring to the UK car maker's flopped ad campaign last fall featuring androgynous models. 'Sydney Sweeney drops a cheeky ad, American Eagle stock soars 22%,' another X user gleefully observed. 'Woke's dead, baby. Woke's dead.' American Eagle joins a volatile cohort of newly anointed meme stocks, including GoPro and Krispy Kreme, which saw sharp price swings in Wednesday's session. Advertisement Earlier in the week, meme traders focused on names like Opendoor Technologies and Kohl's, creating brief rallies driven largely by social media buzz rather than earnings or company news. 6 The stock surged on Wednesday after the company rolled out the ad campaign featuring Sweeney. Google Finance Analysts and traders noted that the Sweeney campaign had helped reframe sentiment around the company, whose shares had fallen 35% this year ahead of Wednesday's close. The retailer's strong brand recognition and more than 13% short interest, according to FactSet data, made it a natural magnet for meme stock traders seeking short squeezes and speculative gains. Advertisement Chatter about American Eagle gained momentum late Wednesday on the popular Reddit forum Wall Street Bets — best known for its role in the 2021 GameStop and AMC rallies. 6 The denim-heavy campaign with Sweeney comes as retailers lean into the Western fashion revival. American Eagle 'We do not comment on trading activity or fluctuations in the stock price,' an American Eagle spokesperson said. 'We remain focused on executing our strategy and taking actions to position the company for long-term performance.' 6 American Eagle saw a 6% stock surge after naming Sydney Sweeney the face of its fall 2025 campaign. American Eagle Last year, Sweeney partnered with men's personal care brand Dr. Squatch for a multi-platform marketing blitz that helped propel the company to a $1.5 billion acquisition by Unilever less than a year later. The campaign — dubbed the 'Body Wash Genie' — cast Sweeney in a playful, satirical role across TV, YouTube, podcasts and social media. One limited-edition product, a 'Bathwater Bliss' soap made with droplets from one of Sweeney's baths, sold out instantly and triggered a frenzy of resale listings on eBay, where individual bars fetched as much as $2,000. 6 Sweeney's campaign for American Eagle sparked discussion on Reddit's Wall Street Bets as traders took notice. American Eagle Advertisement The campaign overwhelmed Dr. Squatch's website and generated massive viral buzz. The results were staggering: Dr. Squatch received over 800 media placements, 11.9 billion impressions and a spike in consumer engagement that accelerated its retail growth and brand valuation. 6 The campaign was described by the brand as the perfect mix of 'ease, attitude, and a little mischief.' REUTERS The Sweeney campaign was credited by industry observers as a key driver in Unilever's decision to acquire the company for $1.5 billion last month. Advertisement Unilever's press release cited 'viral social-first marketing strategies, partnerships with celebrities and influencers, and culturally relevant collaborations' as central to Dr. Squatch's rapid growth — a clear nod to Sweeney's role in elevating the brand. Last year, Crocs' stock jumped more than 4% after its Heydude brand announced Sweeney as global spokesperson, with analysts crediting the move for renewed investor optimism. A spokesperson for Sweeney declined to comment. The Post has sought comment from American Eagle.
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Business Standard
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
'Great Jeans': Sydney Sweeney campaign fuels American Eagle rally
American Eagle Outfitters surged 10 per cent on Thursday after unveiling a new denim campaign with Sydney Sweeney, as the apparel retailer bets on the "Euphoria" and "The White Lotus" actress to reconnect with Gen Z shoppers and boost sales. The company has partnered with Sweeney for its fall season denim collection that includes a limited-edition denim jacket as well as a "The Sydney Jean." The campaign, called "Sydney Sweeney Has Great (American Eagle) Jeans," is the company's latest effort to revive demand as it navigates muted consumer spending and higher potential costs due to tariffs. The retail industry in the United States has been struggling to spur demand as consumers grappling with financial constraints cut back on non-essential buys, including apparel and accessories. In May, American Eagle, which primarily sources from China, pulled its annual forecasts due to tariff uncertainty. "(The campaign) is its bid to stand out more and make some noise. Denim is popular right now, so putting money behind marketing it makes sense for American Eagle," GlobalData managing director Neil Saunders said. The Sweeney partnership is not the first time a celebrity tie-up has helped drive shares of a company. In 2020, Crocs shares jumped after singer Justin Bieber teased a collaboration with the shoe maker. American Eagle has previously teamed up with celebrities, including tennis player Coco Gauff and actress Jenna Ortega. "Well known personalities are always an easier way to tell a story quickly. It is one of the reasons athlete endorsements work so well," BMO Capital Markets analyst Simeon Siegel said. Sweeney's campaign, which launched on Wednesday and is reportedly the company's most expensive campaign to date, will also run across the exosphere of Las Vegas's 3D display orb Sphere. American Eagle's stock was discussed on retail trader-focused social media forums including Stocktwits and Reddit, indicating interest among small-time traders who have driven up shares of retailer Kohl's and other highly shorted names in recent days. Short interest in the company, whose shares were trading at $12 on Thursday, stood at 12.2 per cent of public float, according to LSEG data.
