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News18
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Sydney Sweeney Ad Controversy: Why Her American Eagle Campaign Is Being Called ‘Nazi'
Last Updated: Meant to promote denim & raise awareness about domestic violence, American Eagle's ad campaign starring Sydney Sweeney has instead been accused of echoing white supremacist tropes In July this year, American Eagle launched a bold campaign to promote its denim revival, featuring one of Hollywood's rising stars, Sydney Sweeney, best known for Euphoria, The White Lotus, and Madame Web. The campaign was designed to blend cheeky humour with body positivity, philanthropy, and a dash of Gen-Z irony. In the central video, Sweeney, wearing an American Eagle denim outfit, faces the camera and says: 'Genes are passed down from parents to offspring, often determining traits like hair colour, personality and even eye colour. My jeans are blue." But not everyone was amused. The reference to genetics, her blonde hair and blue eyes, and the campaign's overall tone quickly triggered outrage, not just for its innuendo, but for what critics said was a disturbing nod to white supremacist ideology. What Were The Accusations? To understand the backlash, it's important to understand the weight of the phrase 'great genes" in American cultural and political history. The early 20th-century eugenics movement in the US promoted the idea that the human race could be improved by selective breeding. This pseudoscientific theory targeted people of colour, immigrants, and people with disabilities, and led to forced sterilisation laws, segregation, and immigration bans. These ideas were later embraced by Nazi Germany, forming the basis for policies of racial purity and genocide. ✨Re: Sydney Sweeney'Genes are passed down from parent to offspring, often determining traits like eye color, personality, and even hair color…" So Sydney (& American Eagle) somehow expect audiences to not interpret this visual as a euphemism for eugenics and white supremacy? — My Fairy Godfather. (@MFG_iWPJ) July 26, 2025 So when a modern ad features a blue-eyed, blonde-haired white woman saying she has 'great genes", even as a pun, the visual and linguistic choices land uncomfortably close to the historical language of racial superiority. Why Did Critics Call It 'Tone-Deaf', Especially For A Domestic Violence Campaign? The controversy was further complicated by the campaign's stated social purpose. As part of the promotion, American Eagle launched a special edition product, The Sydney Jean, with 100 per cent of its purchase price donated to Crisis Text Line, a US-based mental health and domestic abuse support service. The idea was to blend fashion with philanthropy. But critics felt the campaign's visual tone undermined its mission. In several versions of the ad, Sweeney's body was the focal point. The camera panned down her chest, or lingered on her curves, as she spoke about genetics. In one video, she says: 'My body's composition is determined by my genes…" Then pauses and adds: 'Hey, eyes up here." This hyper-sexualised aesthetic, critics argued, clashed sharply with the campaign's goal of raising awareness around gendered violence. Many said the brand was using Sweeney's body to drive clicks, while claiming to stand for women's empowerment. NPR wrote that the dissonance between message and method rendered the ad 'completely tone-deaf," especially in a country where women's bodies have historically been commodified even in the name of advocacy. How Did The Internet React? The backlash wasn't limited to op-eds. It was instant, viral, and vicious, with many accusing American Eagle of creating a modern 'dog whistle" for racist ideology. After the ad went live, social media was filled with posts labelling it 'Nazi-coded," 'white supremacist chic," and 'one of the most obvious racialised dog whistles in a while." On Reddit, users criticised Sweeney for what they saw as calculated indifference: 'She is loving all of this attention… the girl does NOT care." 'This might be the funniest way someone's career could implode lol." At the premiere of her film Americana, TMZ captured a protester heckling her from the crowd. As Sweeney stepped out of her car, a woman was heard yelling: 'Stop the ad, that is being racist." Sweeney, flanked by her team, appeared unfazed. But critics viewed that too as part of the problem, accusing her of staying silent while profiting off controversy. Internet's Reaction Didn't Stop At The Ad In one of the more bizarre turns, even Sweeney's pet dog, a red-and-black German Shepherd named Sully Bear, became the target of online anger. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sydney Sweeney (@sydney_sweeney) Given the ad's perceived eugenic undertones, users began pointing out that German Shepherds were the breed used by Nazis during World War II, and that Hitler himself owned several. Posts soon called Sully a 'Nazi pet." One user wrote: 'Swastika Sweeney. Hyper white person pet for sure." The moment crystallised the absurd extremes of the backlash, but also how deeply some felt about the campaign's symbolism. What Role Did Trump Play And Why Did It Escalate The Backlash? What might have been a fashion controversy turned into a full-blown culture war when Donald Trump endorsed the ad. Taking to Truth Social, the US President wrote: 'Sydney Sweeney, a registered Republican, has the 'HOTTEST' ad out there. The jeans are flying off the shelves. Go get 'em, Sydney!" When asked later by reporters if he supported the campaign, he replied: 'If Sydney Sweeney is a Republican, I think her ad is fantastic." Trump's backing reframed the controversy. Overnight, conservative media turned Sweeney into a symbol of anti-woke defiance, someone allegedly punished by liberal outrage for simply being attractive and Republican. The right-wing press ran with it. According to a Media Matters study, Fox News mentioned the campaign 28 times in one week, more than it discussed the Jeffrey Epstein case. Even Vice President JD Vance weighed in on a podcast, mocking the backlash. 🚨 LMAO! JD Vance just reacted to leftists melting down over Sydney Sweeney'My political advice to Democrats is continue to tell everyone who thinks Sydney Sweeney is attractive is a NAZl" 🤣 'You guys, did you learn NOTHING from the 2024 election?! I actually thought one of… — Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) August 1, 2025 Is Sydney Sweeney A Registered Republican? Yes. According to The Independent, Sydney Sweeney has been a registered Republican in Florida since June 2024, months before Trump's second-term win. This detail gained traction as the backlash grew. Critics saw it as confirmation that the ad wasn't apolitical. Supporters framed it as bravery in an industry dominated by liberals. While Sweeney has never publicly endorsed a candidate, her political registration, silence, and now celebrity branding deals have been closely scrutinised. Was The Campaign Actually Bad For Business? Not at all, at least financially. American Eagle was in trouble. Just weeks earlier, the company: Withdrew financial guidance due to 'macro uncertainty" Forecasted a 5 per cent revenue drop Reported an $85 million operating loss Saw its gross margins fall from 40.6% to 29.6% But after the campaign went viral, American Eagle's stock surged: 10% bump when the campaign first dropped in July 28% spike after Trump's public endorsement Nearly $200 million added to the company's market value in one session, as reported by Vanity Fair In short, outrage worked. What Now For Sydney Sweeney And American Eagle? Sweeney has not issued any statement. Her silence has been interpreted as everything from strategic distancing to quiet agreement. American Eagle, for its part, continues to defend the campaign, stating: ''Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans' is and always was about the jeans. Her jeans. Her story … Great jeans look good on everyone." top videos View all View this post on Instagram A post shared by American Eagle (@americaneagle) The company has not pulled the campaign, though some videos have been deleted from social media. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk More Get Latest Updates on Movies, Breaking News On India, World, Live Cricket Scores, And Stock Market Updates. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : advertisement donald trump Sydney Sweeney view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: August 06, 2025, 14:08 IST News explainers Sydney Sweeney Ad Controversy: Why Her American Eagle Campaign Is Being Called 'Nazi' Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
San Francisco Chronicle
31-07-2025
- Business
- San Francisco Chronicle
Mizuho: Fiscal Q1 Earnings Snapshot
TOKYO (AP) — TOKYO (AP) — Mizuho Financial Group inc. (MFG) on Thursday reported net income of $2.01 billion in its fiscal first quarter. The Tokyo-based bank said it had earnings of 16 cents per share. Earnings, adjusted to account for extraordinary items, came to 15 cents per share. The bank posted revenue of $14.74 billion in the period. Its revenue net of interest expense was $14.74 billion, which beat Street forecasts.
Time Out
27-06-2025
- Business
- Time Out
The Carbone crew will helm restaurants in the $8 billion Citi Field-adjacent Metropolitan Park
The team behind Carbone is stepping up to the plate in Queens. Major Food Group (Torrisi, The Grill, Sadelle's) has signed on to operate a slate of restaurants and bars within the forthcoming Hard Rock Hotel and Casino at Metropolitan Park, an $8 billion mega-development slated to rise near Citi Field by 2030. While MFG won't operate every eatery on the property, its involvement is a strong signal that this won't be your average food court casino. Expect a stylish blend of fine dining and high-end casual concepts, with menus that reflect Queens' rich culinary heritage—and a personal connection, too. Co-founder and chef Mario Carbone hails from the borough. The move is part of a broader, international partnership between Major Food Group and Hard Rock International, formalized in early 2024. Under the deal, MFG serves as culinary advisor across Hard Rock's portfolio, including properties in Hollywood, Tampa, Atlantic City and upcoming outposts in Athens and Barcelona. The team even staged a Carbone residency at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood in Florida last December. 'This is a truly unique opportunity,' said MFG co-founder Jeff Zalaznick in a press release announcing the partnership last year, 'to bring MFG's deep expertise and innovation together with a hotel and casino leader to provide incredible food and beverage experiences for Hard Rock guests at locations both here and abroad.' Metropolitan Park itself is a massive swing at reimagining the 50-acre sea of parking lots around the Mets' home turf. In addition to the casino and hotel, the project includes new parks, sports fields, a live music venue and a 30,000-square-foot food hall called Taste of Queens, a curated lineup of more than 20 vendors from across the borough, in the spirit of Queens Night Market (but indoors and year-round). Backed by Mets owner Steve Cohen, the proposal has faced its share of scrutiny, including environmental concerns and community opposition to the development of a casino. Still, several Queens community boards approved the plan in November 2024 and a final decision from the state's Gaming Facility Location Board is expected by the end of 2025.
Business Recorder
10-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
South Korea's MFG buys 68,000 tons corn in private deal, traders say
HAMBURG: South Korea's Major Feedmill Group (MFG) purchased around 68,000 metric tons of animal feed corn in a private deal on Tuesday without issuing an international tender, European traders said. It was bought at an estimated $233.99 a ton cost and freight (c&f) included plus a $1.25 surcharge for additional port unloading. The purchase was expected to be sourced from South America or South Africa. Shipment from South America was between July 20 and August 20. If the corn is sourced from South Africa, only 55,000 tons need be supplied. South Korea's MFG buys estimated 199,000 tons corn, traders say Seller was believed to be trading house Freepoint. The deal followed separate corn purchases by Korean importers NOFI and KFA on Tuesday. Reports reflect assessments from traders and further estimates of prices and volumes are still possible later.
Business Recorder
10-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Iran's SLAL tenders for 120,000 tons each corn, barley and soymeal
HAMBURG: Iranian state-owned animal feed importer SLAL has received offers to supply up to 120,000 metric tons each of corn, barley and soymeal after it had issued international tenders, European traders said on Tuesday. The deadline for submission was Monday, they said, adding that the price offers were still being considered and that no purchase had been reported. The shipment of grains is expected to be in July and August. The corn can be sourced from Brazil, Europe, Russia, Ukraine or elsewhere in the Black Sea region, including Turkey. The barley can be sourced from the European Union, Russia, Ukraine or elsewhere in the Black Sea region, including Turkey or from Kazakhstan. The soymeal can be sourced from Brazil or Argentina only. South Korea's MFG buys estimated 199,000 tons corn, traders say Iranian businesses have been hit by payment issues as Western sanctions over the country's nuclear programme made overseas participation in recent tenders difficult, traders said. While sanctions exempt food, Iran's financial system has been affected, creating complex and erratic payment arrangements. Traders said Iran was offering payment via two banks, one in Iraq and one in Turkiye.
