Sydney Sweeney Sparks Controversy with New Ad Campaigns—From “Great Jeans” Backlash to “Hey Dude” Stirring Up Liberals

Sydney Sweeney, the breakout star of Euphoria and The White Lotus, is no stranger to the limelight. Known for her acting prowess and stunning looks, Sweeney has gained global fame at a young age. But recently, she’s found herself at the center of controversy—not for her acting, but for two high-profile ad campaigns that have sparked intense backlash and heated debate. What started as a seemingly innocuous tagline in an American Eagle Outfitters ad quickly escalated into a firestorm of accusations, while her new Hey Dude shoes ad featuring Sweeney in a revealing swimsuit and cowboy hat is stirring up even more outrage, especially among political factions.

The “Great Jeans” Controversy: A Play on Words or Eugenics?

It all began with a fall campaign for American Eagle, where Sweeney was featured prominently in an ad that quickly went viral. The ad’s tagline, “Sydney Sweeney has great jeans,” was a clever play on words that riffed on her “great genes”—a double entendre meant to highlight both the product and Sweeney’s famously stunning looks. However, what was intended as a light-hearted wordplay quickly ignited a firestorm of criticism.

The backlash was swift, with many online users accusing the ad campaign of subtly promoting eugenics. The association of “great genes” with blonde hair and blue eyes—traits often associated with a specific racial ideal—led to accusations that the brand was engaging in what some critics described as “racialized dog-whistling.” Some even went so far as to accuse the brand of promoting “Nazi propaganda,” a dramatic leap that fueled the controversy.

For Sweeney, this was a situation she likely never anticipated. While her role in Euphoria and The White Lotus has made her a darling of the media, this campaign placed her at the center of an unexpected cultural debate. The criticism, amplified by social media, reached a fever pitch, causing many to question the broader implications of the campaign’s phrasing.

Despite the growing tension, Sweeney has yet to release a statement directly addressing the controversy surrounding the American Eagle campaign. American Eagle, too, has remained largely silent. While the backlash continues to unfold, some are wondering whether the brand miscalculated its attempt at clever marketing or if the reaction is merely the result of a hyper-sensitive climate that often scrutinizes even the smallest of details.

The Hey Dude Ad: Another Controversy Brews

Just as the storm around the American Eagle campaign began to settle, Sweeney found herself embroiled in another controversy with a completely different ad—this time for Hey Dude shoes. In the new ad, Sweeney is seen wearing a tight one-piece swimsuit, paired with a cowboy hat, walking along a beach and kneeling in front of a stereo while uttering the line, “You can take the dude out of the country, but you can’t take the country out of the dude.”

The ad, which was intended to be fun and light-hearted, quickly ignited outrage among certain political groups. Critics, especially on the left, slammed the ad for its overtly sexualized portrayal of Sweeney, while others took issue with the ad’s “country” aesthetic, which they felt was being commodified in a way that alienated certain groups. The backlash was particularly intense given Sweeney’s previous involvement in more politically charged projects, including her activism on social media.

Conservative media, however, took a different view. Many rallied behind the actress, applauding her for embracing her country roots and for the ad’s celebration of Americana. It was clear that the controversy surrounding the Hey Dude ad was highly polarized, with different sides of the political spectrum interpreting the ad in vastly different ways. But the most notable response came from those accusing Sweeney of being the target of political commentary—suggesting that her appearance in the ad, specifically her outfit, was purposefully chosen to stir up debate.

The Backlash and the Business Impact

The intense reaction to both ad campaigns had a significant impact on Sweeney’s public image. While the actress has largely remained silent, the controversy has not gone unnoticed by her fans or the wider public. What’s more surprising, however, is the way these campaigns have affected the companies involved.

Following the backlash over the American Eagle ad, the company saw an uptick in its stock price, with shares reaching $12.20 before closing at $11.54—an indication that, despite the controversy, the campaign was a financial success. This has led some to speculate that, for all the negative publicity, the ad may have actually succeeded in generating more attention for the brand than they ever could have anticipated.

Meanwhile, Hey Dude shoes, too, experienced a surge in attention, although it was accompanied by mixed reactions. Some shoppers were excited to see Sweeney, a rising star, as the face of the brand, while others were disturbed by the ad’s messaging and its portrayal of femininity. The impact of the Hey Dude ad on the brand’s bottom line remains to be seen, but the discourse surrounding it highlights how even seemingly innocuous marketing choices can spark massive debates.

Sweeney Responds to Critics

Amid the growing controversy, Sweeney posted a response on social media, acknowledging the backlash but insisting that she never intended to offend anyone. In her video, which was part of the Hey Dude campaign, Sweeney expressed how much the brand’s country roots meant to her, showing behind-the-scenes moments of her riding a horse, driving a John Deere Gator, and enjoying the outdoors. The message was one of authenticity, and Sweeney encouraged her fans to understand her perspective.

Sweeney’s social media post was an attempt to redirect the conversation, offering her version of events and explaining her intention behind participating in both campaigns. However, the damage had already been done. The backlash surrounding the Hey Dude ad continued, with both sides of the political spectrum clashing over the ad’s significance.

A Complex Legacy: More Than Just a Controversy

At the heart of the ongoing debate is the way Sweeney’s image has been shaped by these ad campaigns. Critics argue that Sweeney is being used as a pawn in a larger culture war, while supporters argue that she’s simply embracing her country roots and having fun with her career. Regardless of where one stands, these controversies raise important questions about how brands market to young, celebrity-driven audiences, and how those brands respond when things go awry.

For Sweeney, the focus should remain on her talent as an actress, but in today’s media landscape, it’s clear that image is just as important—if not more so. These campaigns have undoubtedly helped cement her place in the media, but they’ve also put her in a position where her every move is analyzed, criticized, and scrutinized by millions. Whether or not Sweeney’s involvement in these campaigns will leave lasting consequences for her career remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain: Sydney Sweeney’s rise to fame continues to be filled with unexpected twists, and the world will be watching to see what happens next.

Conclusion: Navigating Fame, Image, and Controversy

Sydney Sweeney’s involvement in both the American Eagle and Hey Dude campaigns highlights the complex nature of fame in the modern media landscape. It’s not just about talent—it’s about how your image is projected, how it’s received, and how it can spark discussions that may have far-reaching consequences. For Sweeney, the road ahead will likely include more ups and downs, but one thing is certain: she has proven time and again that she can navigate the intense scrutiny and turn even the most controversial moments into opportunities for growth.

As this story continues to evolve, one thing remains clear—Sweeney’s ability to maintain control over her narrative while balancing the expectations of her fanbase, brands, and critics will be one of the key factors determining her future success. Whether or not she continues to weather the storm of controversy, Sweeney’s career will undoubtedly be one to watch as it unfolds.