Stephen Colbert is an American satirist who is well known for his late-night news talk show, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, since 2015. He is popular for his no-nonsense stint and witty remarks. Recently, he made headlines when CBS, the American broadcaster, announced that Stephen’s longest-running show, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, will air its final show in May 2026. Now, the American satirist has again garnered a lot of limelight for his take on American Eagle’s recent commercial featuring American actress, Sydney Sweeney. The commercial landed in hot water for using puns, genes and jeans.
Stephen Colbert’s take on the controversy involving the American Eagle ad starring Sydney Sweeney
In his late-night news talk show on CBS, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, the American comedian talked about the ongoing controversy surrounding American Eagle Outfitters. He mocked people who criticised the commercial, saying it was nothing but an overreaction. For the unversed, American Eagle recently launched a campaign, whose slogan was ‘Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans’. The commercial hogged the limelight for boasting Eugenic beliefs and racism. Stephen was quoted as saying:
“Just like Sydney Sweeney, I also carry the gene for s*xy commercial scratchy voice. I get it from my uncle on my mother’s side … Now, some people look at this and they’re seeing something sinister, saying that the genes-jeans denim wordplay in an ad featuring a white blonde woman means American Eagle could be promoting eugenics, white supremacy and Nazi propaganda. That might be a bit of an overreaction — although Hitler did briefly model for Mein Kampfort Fit Jeans.”
What led to the American Eagle commercial controversy featuring Sydney Sweeney?
The American Eagle campaign row began with the portrayal of Sydney, a blonde, white-skinned, blue-eyed woman, who promoted the ad with a twist in words, genes, and jeans. Critics saw this as an idea that genes of a certain community are superior to others. Many critics called out the clothing brand for promoting ‘Eugenics’ and ‘Nazi propaganda’. The commercial playful twist in words didn’t sit well with many and also raised the age-old question of beauty standards.
American Eagle issues statement amid the ongoing controversy
On August 1, 2025, AE took to their official Instagram handle and issued a statement amid the ongoing controversy. They wrote that ‘Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans’ was also about jeans. AE mentioned that they would continue the celebration involving everyone, who wears their AE jeans with confidence. While Sydney remained silent on the following matter, AE’s statement can be read as:
“‘Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans’ is and always was about the jeans. Her jeans. Her story. We’ll continue to celebrate how everyone wears their AE jeans with confidence, their way. Great jeans look good on everyone.”
More about Sydney Sweeney
Born on September 12, 1997, Sydney is an American actress who rose to fame with her stellar performance in the drama series, Euphoria. She is also recognised for her roles in Everything Sucks, The Handmaid’s Tale, Sharp Objects, among others. The young actress is currently prepping hard for her role in the upcoming biopic of boxing legend, Christy Martin.
What are your thoughts on Stephen Colbert’s take on American Eagle’s commercial featuring Sydney Sweeney? Let us know.
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