Actress Sydney Sweeney recently broke the internet with an American Eagle Jeans ad that sparked controversy over her comments on genetics. The 45-year-old comparison to Brooke Shields’ iconic 1970s Calvin Klein campaign has left industry experts and social media users debating its cultural significance.
Sweeney, who spoke about genes being “passed down from parents to offspring,” sparked backlash after making a seemingly innocuous comment. However, Shields’ own 1970s ad, which featured the now-60-year-old actress saying “nothing” comes between her and her jeans, has been likened for its perceived sexualization of a minor.
Shields, who starred in the campaign at 15, told Vogue that the backlash to her ads was swift but largely unsuccessful. The controversy surrounding Shields’ ad led to it being banned in some places, with Shields stating, “I feel like the controversy backfired.”
Sweeney’s ad has faced similar criticism, with some accusing it of promoting “whiteness” and “eugenics.” However, others, including President Donald Trump and Fox News host Jesse Watters, have come to its defense.
American Eagle released a statement saying, “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans” is about the jeans, not about promoting any particular ideology. The company’s recent social media posts have featured models of color alongside Sweeney’s campaign, attempting to counteract the criticism.
Source: https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/sydney-sweeneys-steamy-denim-ad-sparks-comparison-brooke-shields-controversial-80s-classic