The digital landscape is abuzz with a fresh wave of pop culture controversy as global music sensation Lizzo recently weighed in on the polarizing American Eagle ad featuring actress Sydney Sweeney, adding her distinctive voice to the growing celebrity backlash.
In a characteristic move, Lizzo took to Instagram, sharing a cleverly photoshopped image that playfully mimicked Sweeney’s pose from the contentious campaign. Her witty accompanying caption, “My jeans are black…,” served as a direct and humorous counterpoint to Sweeney’s “My jeans are blue” line, instantly resonating across social media trends.
The original American Eagle ad, titled “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans,” ingeniously plays on the double meaning of “genes” and “jeans.” However, its execution quickly drew scrutiny, particularly the segment where Sweeney discusses her “blue genes” while the camera noticeably lingers on her figure, sparking widespread debate.
Critics swiftly accused the campaign of deploying racially coded messaging, with Sweeney’s remark, “I guess great jeans run in the family,” interpreted by some as subtle “dog-whistling” emphasizing whiteness. While others dismissed it as an awkward pun, the controversy’s momentum only continued to build, fueled by online discourse.
Lizzo is not isolated in her critique; the American Eagle ad previously faced viral mockery from fellow artist Doja Cat. Her TikTok video, exaggerating Sweeney’s delivery with a Southern accent, further amplified the discussion and cemented the campaign’s place within current social media trends.
Beyond the racial undertones, the advertisement also faced considerable criticism for what many described as regressive, male-gaze-driven marketing. Pundits drew parallels to controversial historical campaigns, notably Calvin Klein’s infamous 1980 Brooke Shields ad, which similarly sexualized a then-minor actress, highlighting persistent issues within fashion advertising.
To date, neither Sydney Sweeney nor American Eagle has publicly addressed the escalating celebrity backlash or the swirling pop culture controversy. Yet, as more high-profile figures join the conversation, whether through satirical memes or overt criticism, the public dialogue surrounding ethical and effective advertising strategies intensifies.
This incident underscores the powerful influence of Lizzo and other influential personalities in shaping public perception and driving critical discourse around marketing campaigns. It demonstrates how swiftly social media trends can transform a simple advertisement into a significant cultural moment, prompting a reevaluation of brand messaging.
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