The recent American Eagle campaign featuring actress Sydney Sweeney has ignited a widespread public debate, prompting a leading public relations expert to offer strategic advice on navigating the contentious narrative.

The controversy stems from a specific tagline, “Has Great Jeans,” which, when juxtaposed with Sweeney’s public image, was widely misinterpreted as a pun on “good genes,” sparking accusations of insensitivity and tone-deafness.

This unintended implication led to a significant backlash against the 27-year-old star, attracting harsh criticism not only from fans across social media platforms but also from fellow celebrities.

In response to the escalating furor, Adrienne Alexander, a prominent PR expert from IPY Agency, underscored the critical importance of acknowledging the public’s perception, regardless of the campaign’s original intent.

Alexander advised Sweeney against offering an apology for her participation in the advertisement, but strongly recommended demonstrating an acute awareness of the broader cultural conversation the campaign had inadvertently ignited.

Furthermore, the PR strategist emphasized the necessity for Sweeney to maintain a visible presence on social media and in the public eye, cautioning, however, that the content shared must be meticulously curated to reflect the gravity of the ongoing situation.

“This isn’t the week for bikini shots and luxury hauls,” Alexander explicitly stated, highlighting the need for a sensitive and appropriate tone during such a high-profile scandal.

Ultimately, Alexander clarified that the primary responsibility for addressing the public fallout rests with American Eagle as the campaign’s originator, stressing the crucial need for coordinated PR efforts between the brand and Sweeney’s team to mitigate individual absorption of criticism.