Sydney Sweeney's American Eagle ad sparked backlash over claims of oversexualization, missed targeting of its audience and controversial messaging

In the age of hyper-awareness and cultural accountability, one fashion ad can set off a firestorm. That’s exactly what happened with American Eagle’s latest campaign featuring actress Sydney Sweeney.

The title of the ad provoked a flurry of online discourse. Reactions ran the gamut from glee to accusations that the ads promote eugenics.