Sydney Sweeney made a denim-clad return to social media three weeks after the release of her controversial American Eagle “Good Jeans” ad campaign.
On Friday, the 27-year-old actress, who has not publicly commented on the ad or its mixed reception, shared a carousel of photos on Instagram in which she was seen rocking a pair of oversized blue jeans and a white lace-front crop top while spending a night out at a bar with friends.
“duval diaries.” Sweeney wrote in the caption.
Sydney Sweeney rocked blue jeans as she returned to social media for the first time since the release of her controversial American Eagle ad. (Sydney Sweeney Instagram/American Eagle )
In one photo, Sweeney was seen kicking her leg up as she posed with a group of friends, who also wore denim or blue and white ensembles.
Sweeney and a friend appeared to be performing karaoke as they stood back to back on a stage while holding microphones in another snap.
In another image, Sweeney was seen holding a tray of drinks while surrounded by a group of friends as they beamed at the camera. Other snaps featured “The White Lotus” actress dancing with her friends at the crowded venue.
The actress was seen spending a night out with friends. (Sydney Sweeney Instagram )
American Eagle debuted their ad campaign titled “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans” last month, which received a divided response on social media.
Some dubbed the campaign “tone-deaf” due to alleged racial undertones, others have praised Sweeney for killing “woke” advertising.
In a promo video posted to the brand’s Instagram, Sweeney was seen walking toward an AE billboard featuring her and the tagline “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Genes.” Sweeney crossed out “Genes” and replaced it with “Jeans” before walking away.
In a second ad, Sweeney was seen laying down and fastening her jeans while saying, “Genes are passed down from parents to offspring, often determining traits like hair color, personality and even eye color.” The camera then panned up to her blue eyes, and she said “My jeans are blue.”
LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
In one photo, Sweeney held a tray of drinks as she posed with a group of friends. (Sydney Sweeney Instagram )
The ad’s detractors have suggested that it has shades of “eugenics” and “White supremacy.” According to Salon, the term “great genes” was historically used to “celebrate whiteness, thinness and attractiveness.”
American Eagle released a statement on its social media on Aug. 1, which read, “’Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans’ is and always was about the jeans. Her jeans. Her story. We’ll continue to celebrate how everyone wears their AE jeans with confidence, their way. Great jeans look good on everyone.”
While speaking with Fox News Digital, Reputation Management Consultants CEO Eric Schiffer explained how controversy could potentially turbocharge the actress’ career along with her net worth.
“The AE firestorm shoved Sweeney into toxic culture-war crosshairs — exactly where attention monetizes fastest,” he said. “Backlash may spook a few ‘safe’ brands, but risk-tolerant studios will ruthlessly overpay for her heat.
“American Eagle’s denim blitz could jam an outrage cocktail of $5 million more in Sweeney’s wallet before Labor Day. The viral jeans spot is a ruthless napalm-grade cash cannon — every click fires fresh royalty checks at her $40 million pile. Critics rant, but controversy drives denim sales — she’s riding a volatile tornado straight to the bank.”
APP USERS CLICK HERE TO VIEW POST
Schiffer also explained that the backlash the actress has received could lead to an influx of career opportunities for her.
“Outrage addicts labeled the ad ‘eugenics’ but Hollywood execs smell radioactive buzz and cast her faster,” he said. “Hollywood forgives denim puns; it rewards controversial cash.”
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER
Schiffer continued, “She proved she can take heat and directors love an actress with fierce armor. Her blend of bombshell and backlash is near lethal catnip for producers. Hollywood loves a polarizing star with a merciless marketing punch that sells.”
However, PR expert Steve Honig voiced his opinion that the backlash was unlikely to affect Sweeney’s career.
“Regardless of which side you are on, the ads have undeniably gotten the actress, and the company, more attention and publicity than they have ever had. Judging by the public’s split opinion, I don’t think this will have much, if any, impact on Sweeney’s career or upcoming projects,” he said. “She is a popular, up-and-coming talent with a bright future ahead of her.”
Sweeney’s American Eagle campaign sparked controversy when it was released last month. (American Eagle)
Honig went on to cite other ad campaigns that saw great success by courting controversy.
AMERICAN EAGLE FIRES BACK AT CRITICS AFTER SYDNEY SWEENEY CAMPAIGN SPARKS ONLINE BACKLASH
“Historically, ads for jeans have been provocative,” he noted. “Look back to Calvin Klein’s advertising campaign in the early 1980s featuring Brooke Shields; there was a lot of criticism about how a 15-year-old girl was being portrayed. The ads turned out to have a positive result for both Klein and Shields, and in many ways put the actress/model on the map.”
Honig continued, “As far as the Sweeney ads being too sexual or aimed at ‘male gazing,’ I would point to the highly successful Pepsi ad campaign with Cindy Crawford, which was recently rebooted. Gloria Vanderbilt’s advertising campaign was all about her name being on a woman’s backside.”
“The bottom line here is that American Eagle decided to push the envelope in much the same way Klein and Vanderbilt did,” he added. “Like it or not, the campaign is sparking discussion and getting a lot of notice, which is likely what they set out to do.”
Fox News Digital’s Janelle Ash contributed to this report.
News
He was judged, dismissed, and turned away from his own restaurant. “We don’t serve your kind,” the waiter sneered, making a snap judgment that would come back to haunt him in the most astonishing way possible. The silence that followed the revelation of the quiet customer’s identity was deafening. But it was Keanu Reeves’ completely unexpected response to the insult that truly left everyone breathless. This isn’t just a tale of mistaken identity; it’s a profound lesson in humility, kindness, and the quiet power of compassion. You have to read what happened next; the full story is in the comments.
He was judged, dismissed, and turned away from his own restaurant. “We don’t serve your kind,” the waiter sneered, making…
Keanu Reeves, a man known for his quiet grace, was rendered completely silent on his 61st birthday, all thanks to a gesture from his longtime friend, Sandra Bullock. This wasn’t a lavish Hollywood spectacle, but something far more profound and personal. It was a moment that peeled back the curtain on their enduring friendship, revealing the deep-seated affection and respect they have for one another. Theirs is a story that goes beyond the silver screen, a tale of two souls who found a lasting connection in the whirlwind of stardom. You won’t want to miss the touching details of what unfolded. Read the full, heartwarming article in the comments.
Keanu Reeves, a man known for his quiet grace, was rendered completely silent on his 61st birthday, all thanks to…
She was America’s sweet, lisping little girl in pigtails, the youngest of “The Brady Bunch.” But behind the innocent smile, actress Susan Olsen despised her character, Cindy Brady. She’s now revealing the truth about the “stupid” and “tattletale” role that made her famous but left her feeling miserable and typecast. This wasn’t just a childhood job; it was a daily struggle playing a character she believed was a mindless drone, a pain that was made worse by on-set conflicts with her TV sisters. Discover the untold story of the Brady you thought you knew. Read the full, shocking confession in the comments below.
She was America’s sweet, lisping little girl in pigtails, the youngest of “The Brady Bunch.” But behind the innocent smile,…
He was a titan of music, a god to millions of fans. Yet, Grateful Dead’s Jerry Garcia was secretly haunted by the genius of another guitarist. A new book, filled with unseen photos, reveals that Garcia felt deeply intimidated by the legendary Michael Bloomfield, a man whose talent he considered almost supernatural. He feared being overshadowed, admitting that Bloomfield could play just as well, if not better. This is the untold story of the rivalry and reverence that existed between two icons who defined a generation of music, a stunning look at the humanity and vulnerability behind the legend. Discover the full,
He was a titan of music, a god to millions of fans. Yet, Grateful Dead’s Jerry Garcia was secretly haunted…
A choice no wife should have to make. Emma Heming Willis has moved her husband, Hollywood legend Bruce Willis, into a separate home as he battles the relentless grip of dementia. While critics are quick to judge, the truth behind this gut-wrenching decision is a story of profound love and a mother’s fierce protection of her children. It’s a move she says Bruce himself would have wanted, a sacrifice made to shield their young daughters from the daily realities of this cruel disease. Discover the full, heart-breaking story and the immense courage it took to make this impossible choice. Read the full article in the comments below.
A choice no wife should have to make. Emma Heming Willis has moved her husband, Hollywood legend Bruce Willis, into…
On live television, a world-famous, arrogant chef began mocking Spain, calling its food simple and its culture unsophisticated. He laughed, basking in the spotlight, completely unaware that the quiet man sitting next to him was about to humiliate him in front of millions. Keanu Reeves didn’t raise his voice. He didn’t get angry. He calmly, intelligently, and surgically dismantled the chef’s entire argument with a powerful lesson in culture, respect, and history that left the chef speechless and shamed. See the most elegant destruction ever caught on camera. Read the full story in the comments.
On live television, a world-famous, arrogant chef began mocking Spain, calling its food simple and its culture unsophisticated. He laughed,…
End of content
No more pages to load
