The Controversy Surrounding Sydney Sweeney's American Eagle Ads
Introduction
Sydney Sweeney's recent American Eagle ads have caused quite a stir, with both President Trump and knockoff brands crying foul. The popular clothing retailer's stock saw a significant increase in the wake of the campaign, rising 23.5 percent and closing at $13.28 on Monday. But what exactly caused this uproar and what implications does it have for the future of American Eagle?
Key Details
One of the main reasons for the controversy surrounding the ads is the use of Sydney Sweeney as the face of the campaign. The young actress, best known for her roles in Euphoria and The Handmaid's Tale, has been praised for her natural beauty and body positivity. However, some critics have accused American Eagle of using her as a marketing ploy to attract attention and boost sales.
In addition, the ads have also been accused of promoting unrealistic beauty standards, with some claiming that Sweeney's photos have been heavily photoshopped. This has led to the rise of knockoff brands selling "realistic" versions of the clothing seen in the ads, further fueling the controversy.
Impact
Despite the backlash, American Eagle's stock has continued to rise and the ads have generated a significant amount of buzz and attention. This raises the question of whether this type of controversy is actually beneficial for the brand, or
About the People Mentioned
Sydney Sweeney
Sydney Bernice Sweeney (born September 12, 1997, in Spokane, Washington) is an American actress and producer known for her versatile roles in television and film. She began her acting career with guest appearances on shows like *Pretty Little Liars* and *Criminal Minds*, but gained initial recognition in 2018 with her role as Emaline Addario in the Netflix series *Everything Sucks!* and as Eden Spencer in Hulu’s *The Handmaid’s Tale*. Sweeney's breakthrough came with the HBO drama series *Euphoria* (2019–present), where she portrays Cassie Howard, a complex teenager navigating toxic relationships and personal challenges. This role earned her widespread acclaim and a Primetime Emmy nomination in 2022 for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. She is confirmed to have filmed for *Euphoria*’s highly anticipated third season. In 2021, she starred as Olivia Mossbacher in HBO’s anthology series *The White Lotus*, a satirical drama set at a luxury Hawaiian resort. Her performance garnered another Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie. In film, Sweeney appeared in Quentin Tarantino’s *Once Upon a Time in Hollywood* (2019). More recently, she had leading roles in *Reality* and *Anyone but You* (both 2023). In 2024, she starred as Julia Cornwall in the superhero film *Madame Web* and appeared in the horror film *Immaculate*. Sweeney moved to Los Angeles at age 13 to pursue acting and has been noted for her determination, including self-recording an audition tape for *Euphoria* despite initial discouragement. She continues to build a diverse career in both television and film, earning recognition for her nuanced performances and choice of challenging roles[1][2][5][6].
About the Organizations Mentioned
American Eagle
## Overview American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (AEO) is a leading global specialty retailer renowned for its casual, comfortable, and on-trend clothing, accessories, and personal care products—primarily under the American Eagle and Aerie brands[3]. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the company operates more than 1,000 stores in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and select international markets such as Hong Kong and Japan, while shipping to over 80 countries worldwide via its e-commerce platforms[1][3][4]. AEO’s core demographic is teenagers and young adults, though its appeal extends to a broader age range, thanks to its focus on quality, affordability, and inclusivity[1][2]. ## History and Growth Founded in 1977 by brothers Jerry and Mark Silverman, American Eagle began as a subsidiary of Retail Ventures, Inc., opening its first store in Novi, Michigan[1]. Over the decades, ownership shifted, with the Silvermans selling to the Schottenstein family, and the company evolved into a publicly traded entity listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: AEO)[1]. The company expanded its portfolio by launching Aerie (a body-positive intimates and apparel brand), acquiring Todd Snyder (a premium menswear brand), and introducing Unsubscribed (a sustainable, upscale line)[1]. In 2021, AEO bolstered its logistics capabilities with the acquisition of Quiet Logistics, a move aimed at enhancing its e-commerce and supply chain operations[1]. ## Key Achievements AEO has distinguished itself through several notable initiatives. Its Aerie brand became a cultural touchstone by championing body positivity and inclusivity, eschewing traditional retouching in advertising and featuring diverse models[2]. The company has also made strides in sustainability, releasing annual ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reports and launching the “AEO Better World” platform to highlight its commitments to ethical practices
