Danica Patrick Stands By Sydney Sweeney Amid Ad Backlash: What’s the Controversy?

Sydney Sweeney's Scandalous Ad Campaign: A Racial Dog Whistle or a Clever Brand Move?

The fashion world has been abuzz with controversy lately, thanks to American Eagle's (AE) new fall commercial lineup featuring none other than rising star Sydney Sweeney. The 27-year-old actress and model is seen posing in various scenarios, showcasing AE's latest denim collection, all under the catchy tagline: "Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans." Sounds harmless enough, right? Wrong!

The phrase "great genes" was met with outrage on social media, with many accusing the brand of being racially insensitive. Critics claim that the ad is a not-so-subtle nod to eugenics and racism, perpetuating the idea that whiteness, thinness, and attractiveness are somehow superior qualities.

But not everyone agrees. Motorsports legend Danica Patrick, who was seen supporting Donald Trump's presidential campaign (yeah, we know), took to her Instagram story to express her confusion over the backlash. "Can anyone tell me what's wrong with the new AE ads?!" she posted, sparking a heated debate among her followers.

Patrick wasn't alone in defending Sweeney and AE. WWE legend Sgt. Slaughter (born Robert Remus) chimed in on X, praising Sweeney: "YOU GO GIRL & That's An Order!!" The 76-year-old wrestling icon is known for his tough-guy persona, but even he couldn't resist throwing some love Sweeney's way.

However, not everyone is convinced that AE's ad campaign was just a harmless misstep. ESPN analyst David Dennis Jr took to social media to express his thoughts: "I didn't think anything of the Sydney Sweeney ads. But then ACTUAL SCHOLARS ON MESSAGING, EUGENICS AND FASCISM explained what was going on then yes I understood and became pretty mortified because hey sometimes IT'S GOOD TO LISTEN TO EXPERTS."

Dennis Jr's sarcastic tone aside, he makes a valid point. The phrase "great genes" has been used throughout history to perpetuate racist ideologies. And let's be real, Sweeney's ad campaign does seem suspiciously... strategic.

Alexandria Hurley, a Las Vegas-based publicist, spoke with thescholarlynote.com about her thoughts on the situation: "From a PR perspective, what we're seeing from Sydney Sweeney isn't a 'misstep' or 'Pepsi moment.' It's a calculated brand evolution. The idea that this ad slipped through the cracks underestimates both her and her team."

Hurley went on to explain that Sweeney has been courting controversy for a while now, from her SNL Hooters skit to her recent collaboration with Dr. Squatch. "Rather than walk it back after criticism, she's leaned further in. That's not oversight. That's strategy." Ouch!

The debate rages on, with some calling the ad "one of the loudest and most obvious racialized dog whistles we've seen and heard in a while" while others see it as a clever marketing move.

AE has yet to respond to the backlash, but one thing is clear: Sweeney's ad campaign has sparked a conversation about racism, eugenics, and the power of language. Whether or not AE intended to stir up controversy, they've certainly succeeded in getting people talking.

So, what do you think? Is AE's ad campaign a racist dog whistle, or a clever brand move? Share your thoughts with us!