By Emma Siegel ’26, Arts and Entertainment Editor

“Sydney Sweeney has great jeans.” Sydney Sweeney’s controversial American Eagle advertisement ended with this quote, using a play on words to focus on her own personal attributes rather than the potential inclusivity the jeans may offer.

Scrolling through social media, it is clear that thousands were angered by her sexualized portrayal of the jeans, which seemed aimed at a male audience rather than the female consumers the jeans were intended for. News outlets like The Post discussed the impact on female beauty standards that Sweeney may have reinforced, and how alienating the campaign felt for viewers. The campaign even became political, with President Donald Trump calling it “the hottest ad out there” according to ABC News after noting that she is a registered Republican.

Despite the controversy, the advertisement generated massive sales, with American Eagle selling out its jean collection in the first week, as reported by The New York Times. This raises broader questions about celebrity influence over consumer behavior. At Newark Academy, products such as Rhode Beauty, Rare Beauty, and Prime Drinks are popular among students. Rhode Beauty was founded by Hailey Bieber, Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez, and Prime Drinks by influencer Logan Paul. These celebrities significantly impact sales, prompting us to question whether the products are genuinely valued for their quality or primarily for the personalities behind them.

Sydney Sweeney, known for roles in projects like Euphoria, Anyone But You, and The Handmaid’s Tale, is frequently featured in advertisements, a choice that is unpopular with other serious actors in her age group. The influence of celebrities promoting products has grown exponentially through social media apps such as TikTok, Instagram, and others. Social media creators often base their livelihoods entirely on sponsorships and brand deals. Platforms like TikTok Shop, Amazon storefronts, and Depop facilitate parasocial consumption by allowing viewers to purchase the exact items featured in videos.

Creators and actors make substantial profits from these partnerships, as young, impressionable, and loyal fans buy products simply because of the name behind them. Similar to how Nike’s NFL partnership paid $7 billion for lifetime deals with athletes like Michael Jordan, Sweeney’s advertisement highlights the importance of considering who should promote products and which endorsements are most trustworthy. While loyal fans may trust their favorite celebrities, it is typically a strategic marketing decision by the brand that generates revenue for the celebrity.

Moving forward, we should be mindful of who is promoting our favorite products, focusing on quality over celebrity influence, and staying aware of the profits being made by the names behind the items.