Sydney Sweeney American Eagle Ad Backlash: Great Jeans Campaign Sparks Oversexualization Debate, Meme Stock Surge & Anti-Woke Praise
Key Takeaways Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle campaign sparked intense backlash for its sexualized tone while promoting domestic violence awareness, with critics calling it “tone-deaf” . Fans praised the ads for rejecting “woke advertising,” celebrating the return of playful, body-confident marketing they felt was missing . American Eagle’s stock surged 10-22% following the campaign’s launch, fueled by social media buzz and short squeezes, positioning it as a new “meme stock” . The brand shifted strategy by featuring Sweeney as its solo campaign star, a first, calling her their “biggest get ever” to reconnect with Gen Z and compete with fast fashion . Despite controversy, the campaign’s charitable angle donated 100% of “The Sydney Jean” proceeds ($89.95/pair) to Crisis Text Line, a mental health support service for abuse survivors . The Mechanics of Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle Campaign American Eagle took a massive gamble by centering its entire fall 2025 strategy on one face...