An ESPN analyst has found themselves at the centre of a social media storm after defending Sydney Sweeney's controversial American Eagle advertisement. Critics have labelled the campaign as 'racist' and 'tone-deaf', sparking a heated debate online.
The ad, which features the Euphoria star modelling for the brand, has been accused of perpetuating harmful stereotypes. The ESPN commentator initially praised the campaign, but quickly faced a fierce backlash from viewers who deemed their comments insensitive.
Why is the ad causing outrage?
Many social media users have pointed to the ad's imagery and styling as problematic, arguing that it reinforces outdated and offensive tropes. Some have accused American Eagle of cultural appropriation, while others have criticised Sydney Sweeney's involvement.
The ESPN analyst, who had initially described the campaign as 'bold' and 'refreshing', was forced to backtrack after being inundated with angry responses. 'I clearly misjudged the tone of this ad,' they later admitted in a since-deleted tweet.
How has Sydney Sweeney responded?
As of now, the actress has remained silent on the controversy. However, American Eagle has issued a brief statement defending their creative direction. 'We stand by our campaign and celebrate diversity in all its forms,' a spokesperson said.
The debate continues to rage online, with many calling for greater accountability in advertising. Meanwhile, the ESPN analyst has reportedly been 'mortified' by the backlash and is said to be reconsidering their approach to discussing sensitive topics on air.
