As the political lightning rod of Sydney Sweeney and American Eagle’s jeans collaboration continues to conduct controversy into the ether, Beyoncé’s recent Reimagine partnership with Levi’s has been dragged into the furore.
Sweeney’s week-long stint as the face of the clothing line produced mixed results, triggering a climb in the company’s share price and backlash on social media for what many perceived as “supremacy propaganda.”
- Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle ad sparked backlash over its “genes” monologue, triggering accusations of coded supremacist messaging.
- Doja Cat and Lizzo publicly mocked the ad, while Fox News countered by highlighting Beyoncé’s similar Levi’s campaign.
- Critics argue the issue is not denim or beauty, but the perceived racial undertones tied to how “genes” were framed.
It appears the denim outlet has also been watching the social media frenzy, and in their most recent ad, cast a model that looked nothing like Sweeney.
At the center of the controversy for talking up her “genes”
Young woman in denim jacket and jeans posing barefoot against neutral background in Beyoncé denim ad controversy.
As reported by Bored Panda on July 31, the campaign started off on the right foot with just a mention of Sweeney’s name, making its share price leap by 19%.
Then the campaign released a video ad of Sweeney wearing its merchandise, which, admittedly, drew mixed commentary.
But it was nowhere near as polarizing as her scripted monologue.
Young woman posing in a denim jacket and jeans, linked to Beyoncé and Sydney Sweeney genes controversy in a denim ad.
“Genes are passed down from parents to offspring,” she says in a sensual voice, “often determining traits like hair color, personality, and even eye color,” she continued. Sweeney’s monologue, and concluded: “My jeans are blue.”
Even Doja Cat stepped away from her hiatus to weigh in on the partnership
The spiel drew backlash from celebrities and fans alike.
One of the first people to jump in was Doja Cat, who unexpectedly broke cover to mimic the actress in a yodel-like backwater accent.
Blonde woman squatting barefoot in a full denim outfit, relating to Beyoncé and Sydney Sweeney denim ad controversy.
The rapper’s fans were surprised and gleeful at the sighting, with one writing,” You know it’s bad when even Doja makes fun of it.”
“Doja Cat mocking Sydney Sweeney was not on my bingo card for this year, but I ain’t complaining,” quipped another.
Lizzo was next in line, taking the mickey
Beyoncé and Sydney Sweeney posing in denim jeans and jackets for contrasting fashion ad controversy.
Another muso, Lizzo , weighed in on the furore and, like Doja Cat, conveyed her displeasure at the ad with an image of her striking the same posture as Sweeney.
She captioned the photo: “If the Democrats won the election,” and then added, “My jeans are black…”
“My jeans are Black. My genes built this country. My jeans are made from the same cotton this country was built on,” wrote one fan, mirroring the songstress’s view.
Screenshot of a social media comment referencing Beyoncé and Sydney Sweeney in a discussion about genetics and denim ads.
Screenshot of a social media post discussing Beyoncé and Sydney Sweeney genes controversy amid fans calling out singer’s denim ad.
But not everyone agreed, and one person asked, “Where’s Beyoncé’s ad? Isn’t there one with her blonde hair and denim ad???”
Fans from both sides are now disseminating a popular comparison of Beyoncé to Sweeney
On July 31, Fox News posted a photo of singer Beyoncé with blondish hair, kitted out in denim, holding a pose almost identical to Sweeney’s.
Beyoncé posing in a denim outfit including vest, wide-leg jeans, and embroidered denim coat in a fashion ad.
Superimposed over the image, it quoted one medical journalist, Nicole Saphier, who it hosts regularly, saying:
“Just going to leave this pic from Beyoncé’s Levi’s campaign right here for those saying Sydney Sweeney with her blonde hair/denim/sultry look is racist.”
One appreciative supporter weighed in on take, claiming: “There’s always double standards with the left. Their way or the highway.”
The outlet’s post also drew a fair amount of dissent, with many pointing out that it completely missed the point.
Beyoncé wearing a blue denim coat with white embroidery, posing against a plain white wall for a denim ad campaign.
“Um, it’s not the denim, it’s the eugenics reference,” quipped one, capturing the sentiment. “But good for you guys for totally missing the point!”
A netizen who tried to explain the reason for the left’s dissent was slammed and subjected to ridicule
One user on X took time to break down the prevailing controversy when he wrote :
Screenshot of a Facebook comment mentioning upset fans reacting to a gene comment in Beyoncé denim ad controversy.
Comment from Tyler Bruner discussing genealogy related to a controversy involving Sydney Sweeney and denim jeans.
“At what point will it be fully understood that proclaiming or implying ‘my genes (jeans) are better’ is frightening to any race whose ancestors for long generations have had to suffer at the hands of the very same race of people with the same kind of thinking—that their genes are superior?” he asked rhetorically.
“No. Such statements are not benign; they are echoes of a violent and dehumanizing history, and the fact that you involve Beyonce explains very well how you’re still unable to comprehend what’s being felt,” he wrote.
Beyoncé posing in denim outfit with long blonde hair, featured in denim ad amid Sydney Sweeney genes controversy.
As can be seen from responses in the comment section, this individual’s explanation was not well-received.
While the controversy continues between left and right, a faction of the public is trying earnestly to make sense of it
Tweet text on a social media platform disputing eugenics undertones in Beyoncé’s denim ad controversy.
Tweet discussing the controversy over the use of the word gene in a denim ad involving Beyoncé and Sydney Sweeney fans.
Tweet from Tom Foolery Show replying about Beyoncé genes controversy and fans calling out singer’s denim ad.
Screenshot of a tweet addressing Beyoncé and a controversy over her denim ad linked to Sydney Sweeney genes debate.
Screenshot of a social media reply discussing the controversy over Beyoncé and Sydney Sweeney genes message in denim ad.
Tweet screenshot showing a discussion on Beyoncé dragged into Sydney Sweeney genes controversy over a denim ad.
Parul Wadhwa responding to controversy about jeans, discussing context and history behind denim in a social media post.
Tweet criticizing fans accusing Beyoncé in Sydney Sweeney jeans controversy, defending Beyoncé’s denim ad involvement.
Tweet from user A_Research_Guru responding to a debate about Beyoncé’s denim ad, commenting she wears it better.
Tweet by Karoline Leavitt discussing denim controversy with a laughing emoji about double standards in the house.
Tweet criticizing Beyoncé in controversy over Sydney Sweeney genes mention and fans calling out singer’s denim ad.
Tweet discussing Beyoncé and cultural appropriation in relation to a denim ad controversy with Sydney Sweeney fans responding.
Tweet discussing skin tone comparison amid Beyoncé denim ad and Sydney Sweeney genes controversy, with fan reactions included.
Screenshot of a tweet calling out Beyoncé in the Sydney Sweeney genes controversy related to a denim ad backlash.
Screenshot of a Twitter reply questioning identity in a denim ad amid Beyoncé and Sydney Sweeney genes controversy.
Tweet screenshot showing a discussion about Beyoncé and cultural appropriation amid Sydney Sweeney denim ad controversy.
Tweet showing user commenting on Beyoncé and Sydney Sweeney in relation to the denim ad and genes controversy.
Tweet by Carlos America criticizing hypocrisy amid Beyoncé and Sydney Sweeney denim ad controversy on social media.
A social media post highlighting racism concerns amid Beyoncé and Sydney Sweeney denim ad controversy.
Social media user commenting on Beyoncé’s denim ad amid Sydney Sweeney genes controversy and fan reactions.
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