The ad blitz quickly sparked heated debate, with critics arguing it was a nod to eugenics, and those on the right giddily calling the campaign “anti-woke” because it appeared to mark a shift from inclusive marketing. Just days later, Dunkin’ released a commercial of its own mentioning genetics to promote its new summer drinks.

Sweeney's collaboration with American Eagle, branded "Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans," features a denim line designed by the actress herself. According to reports, 100% of the purchase price of The Sydney Jean will go directly to Crisis Text Line, a charity that offers mental health support to domestic abuse victims.

Sydney Sweeney's American Eagle campaign is also drawing comparisons to Brooke Shields' controversial Calvin Klein ad from 1980. Shields' age (she was 15 at the time) ruffled feathers due to the commercial's provocative tagline: "You want to know what comes between me and my Calvins? Nothing."