Sydney Sweeney has come under intense scrutiny from fans, accused of inadvertently promoting what some deem as "Nazi propaganda" through her latest advertisement for American Eagle Outfitters, titled "Great Jeans." Last week, the apparel brand revealed that the "Euphoria" sensation would lead its fresh campaign, emblazoned with the catchphrase, "Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans."
In one striking scene of the ad, the 27-year-old actress, donned head-to-toe in denim, strides confidently towards an American Eagle billboard, where she defaces it by crossing out the word "Genes" with a stark white line, correcting it to "Jeans."
Elsewhere in the campaign's videos, Sweeney, known for her role in "Anyone But You," is seen leisurely buttoning and zipping up her jeans while reclining. A voiceover features her discussing how genetic attributes passed down from ancestors shape characteristics like "hair color, personality, and even eye color." As she concludes the clip, gazing into the camera with her piercing blue eyes, she remarks, "My jeans are blue."
This particular line has sparked outrage among TikTok users, who have branded the advertisement as "Nazi propaganda" and a "racially charged signal," contending that it celebrates Sweeney's genetic features of blonde hair and blue eyes.
One TikTok user lambasted, "When these traits are consistently extolled as markers of genetic excellence, we are all too aware of where this narrative leads." They further emphasized, "This echoes the pseudoscientific jargon of racial superiority, which throughout history has been used to uphold racial hierarchies."
Many fans echoed these sentiments, venting their disgust for the ad in the comments section of American Eagle's post. "Who greenlit this campaign?" questioned one user. Another added, "This is what transpires when diversity is absent from decision-making rooms. Especially in today's climate, this campaign got so caught up in its clever wordplay and stunts that those involved overlooked what was plain as day to anyone not white."
"Never shopping at AE again," declared a third, while a fourth commented, "Jesus Christ – this campaign is so messed up." Another user chimed in, "It's reminiscent of a subtle 1930s Germany."
