Poll Finds Most Americans Unbothered by Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle Ad; Only 12% Found The Ad Offensive
NEW YORK, NY – A recent Economist/YouGov poll suggests that the controversy surrounding Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle “Great Jeans” campaign may not reflect public sentiment as strongly as critics first assumed. According to the survey, only 12% of Americans said they found the ad offensive, while a majority either viewed it as clever or had no strong opinion.
The campaign, which featured Sweeney in denim looks that quickly drew widespread attention online, sparked headlines earlier this summer over whether the imagery was too suggestive for a mainstream clothing brand. The polling data, however, shows that most respondents were indifferent to the criticism, suggesting that the backlash may have been louder in media circles than among everyday consumers.
Political and demographic differences did emerge. Younger audiences, particularly college students, showed sharper divides: a Generation Lab poll conducted earlier in the month found that 64% of Democratic students considered the ad out of touch, compared to 39% of Republicans. Gender also played a role, with men generally less likely to report finding the ad offensive than women.
Public relations experts say Sweeney’s decision not to directly address the controversy may have worked in her favor, keeping the focus on her high-profile acting projects rather than amplifying debate. American Eagle, meanwhile, followed up the campaign with more inclusive marketing, helping to steer the conversation toward broader branding rather than a single star.
For Sweeney, the ad has become another marker of her rising influence in both entertainment and fashion. With a busy year that includes multiple film roles and speculation about her involvement in The Devil Wears Prada 2, the poll results suggest that her brand partnerships remain secure despite social media flashpoints.
Top Questions About Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle Ad
Why was Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle ad considered controversial?
The ad sparked debate because some viewers thought the imagery was too revealing for a mainstream denim brand. Others argued it was in line with typical fashion advertising and not offensive.
How many Americans found the ad offensive?
According to a recent Economist/YouGov poll, only 12% of Americans said they found the ad offensive. Most people either thought it was clever or had no strong opinion.
Did political views affect how people saw the ad?
Yes. A Generation Lab poll showed partisan divides: about 64% of Democratic college students viewed the ad as out of touch, compared with 39% of Republicans.
What was Sydney Sweeney’s response to the backlash?
Sweeney has not publicly addressed the criticism. Many PR experts believe her silence helped keep attention on her acting career rather than fueling the controversy.
How did American Eagle handle the criticism?
The brand followed up with additional marketing campaigns that highlighted diversity and inclusivity, shifting the focus away from the initial debate.
Does this controversy hurt Sydney Sweeney’s career?
So far, no. If anything, the polls suggest the backlash was overstated. Sweeney remains in demand, with major acting projects underway and her brand partnerships intact.
