Sydney Sweeney at the heart of controversy

Sydney Sweeney's American Eagle ad sparked controversy on social media, where it was labeled racist and supremacist.

At the center of the conflict was the pun on "jeans" and "genes" used in the campaign featuring the actress, known for her white appearance, blue eyes, and blond hair. In one of the most controversial videos, "Euphoria" actress Sidney Sweeney declares, "Genes are passed down from parent to child and determine characteristics such as hair color, personality, and eye color... My jeans are blue," with the camera focusing on her face and the slogan.

Social media users interpreted this as a dangerous reference to eugenic and white supremacist ideas, particularly because it emphasized physical attributes traditionally associated with white supremacy (white, blond, blue eyes).

The campaign became a hot topic due to how the puns, Sweeney's image, and the socio-political context were interpreted as a glorification of racist or eugenic values, sparking a wave of criticism, debates about the limits of advertising, and discussions about representation and responsibility in the fashion industry.

(MH with Anva - Source : Euronews - Photo : © DPA - newscom - John Angelillo)