American Eagle CEO Stands Firm on Sydney Sweeney Ad Campaign Amid Controversy

American Eagle CEO Jay Schottenstein stands behind the company's Sydney Sweeney jeans ad campaign despite controversy. The ads, which sparked backlash from some liberal commentators, promoted "great jeans" wordplay. Schottenstein told executives to remain calm and not comment, assigning a team to monitor social media reaction and survey customers. The ads gained attention and American Eagle's stock jumped 25% after the company highlighted their success in its Q2 earnings report.

American Eagle Outfitters CEO Jay Schottenstein has maintained his stance on the company's controversial Sydney Sweeney jeans ad campaign, despite facing criticism from liberal commentators. The ads, which feature the actress promoting the brand's signature denim line with the tagline "Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans," have sparked debate over their implications. Schottenstein, in an interview with The Wall Street Journal, stated that the company stands behind the campaign and refused to comment on the controversy, instead assigning a team to monitor social media reactions and survey customers American Eagle CEO stands by viral Sydney Sweeney ads after controversy, won't bow to 'fear'^[1].

Schottenstein emphasized that the company did not intend to promote offensive themes and noted that the ads' success has been evident in their impact on American Eagle's financial performance. The company's stock surged by 25% following the release of its Q2 earnings report, in which Schottenstein highlighted the success of the Sweeney campaign. The report indicated record-breaking new customer acquisition and brand awareness across age demographics and genders American Eagle CEO defied woke mob’s outrage over Sydney Sweeney ads — and gained 1M customers: ‘Can’t run from fear’^[2].

The ad campaign has also been praised by President Donald Trump, who commented on Truth Social that Sweeney's ad is "the HOTTEST out there." Despite the controversy, the campaign has been credited with bringing in nearly a million new customers between July and September American Eagle CEO defied woke mob’s outrage over Sydney Sweeney ads — and gained 1M customers: ‘Can’t run from fear’^[2].

Susan Cantor, CEO of Sterling Brands, a consumer branding firm, attributed the campaign's success to American Eagle's refusal to back down in the face of criticism. She noted that the company's stance helped it avoid a backlash and gain financially American Eagle CEO defied woke mob’s outrage over Sydney Sweeney ads — and gained 1M customers: ‘Can’t run from fear’^[2].

American Eagle has also launched a marketing blitz featuring NFL player Travis Kelce, who is engaged to pop singer Taylor Swift. This collaboration further underscores the company's strategy to capitalize on high-profile endorsements and trends in popular culture.