Sydney Sweeney's American Eagle Ad Mocked Online as Doja Cat Parody Sparks Viral Backlash

Sydney Sweeney's latest campaign with American Eagle took an unexpected turn this week when what was meant to be a feel-good denim commercial instead became a viral punchline.

The ad, featuring the Euphoria actress promoting the brand's jeans, was widely criticised for its overly scripted tone, exaggerated delivery, and outdated messaging.

The phrase 'she has great jeans'—intended as a double entendre—quickly became meme fodder, with many mocking the ad's creative direction. The situation escalated when rapper Doja Cat posted a parody that went viral within hours, adding fuel to the digital roasting.

The Ad That Sparked the Backlash

The commercial shows Sweeney in a soft-focus setting, speaking directly to the camera about how confident she feels in her American Eagle jeans.

A voiceover chimes in: 'She's got great jeans'—a pun that tried to blend genetics and fashion but landed awkwardly.

Rather than resonating with viewers, the ad was panned for feeling inauthentic and out of touch. Critics described it as a throwback to early 2000s teen magazine ads.

One TikTok user joked it 'felt like it was written by AI trained on old Seventeen issues,' while others questioned the shift from Sweeney's edgier roles to such a polished retail endorsement.

Doja Cat's Parody Turns Viral Moment Into Cultural Commentary

Doja Cat amplified the backlash with her own tongue-in-cheek video. On Instagram, she mimicked Sweeney's tone and phrasing almost exactly—only to roll her eyes and break character halfway through. The post, captioned 'I got good jeans too,' racked up over a million views in just 24 hours.

Fans and cultural critics interpreted the post as a sharp critique of overly curated celebrity ads. Known for skewering industry tropes, Doja Cat's parody was celebrated as a clever takedown of formulaic branding.

Why Viewers Rejected the Campaign

The backlash highlights a growing fatigue with celebrity-driven marketing that lacks authenticity. Viewers noted a disconnect between Sweeney's bold, often provocative image and the ad's safe, corporate messaging.

Many felt the campaign leaned too heavily on a pun without substance, failing to deliver the kind of personal narrative or relatability that modern audiences expect. Some also pointed out the irony of using a genetically blessed actress to push a body-inclusive product, calling it tone-deaf.

How the Internet Turned It Into a Meme Storm

Social media platforms like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) were quick to react. Users remixed the original footage with ironic voiceovers, layered in Doja Cat's version, or added 90s stock footage for comedic effect. Comments and memes flooded the internet, poking fun at the line between 'great genes' and 'great jeans'.

The backlash wasn't limited to the ad's tone—critics also targeted the campaign's perceived lack of self-awareness. For a brand like American Eagle, which has built its identity on inclusivity and Gen Z appeal, the disconnect struck a particularly sour note.

What Happens Next

As of now, neither Sweeney nor American Eagle has responded to the viral parody. The brand issued a brief statement saying the campaign was meant to 'celebrate individuality and confidence in a light-hearted way.' But with Doja Cat's spoof still circulating and memes multiplying, the ad has become one of the most talked-about campaigns of the summer—albeit not in the way the brand intended.

Whether it was an accidental misfire or a calculated attempt to stir controversy, American Eagle has certainly captured attention. But as the conversation shifts from denim to digital authenticity, the fashion world is once again reminded that today's audiences demand more than just a pretty face and a punchline.