Singer Ash Ruder’s emotional ballad, ‘Blue Genes,’ has sparked widespread attention on social media, largely due to its unintentional association with American Eagle’s controversial ad starring Sydney Sweeney. The song, which Ruder wrote in 2022 about generational trauma and family hardship, has gained over 5 million views, creating a viral buzz. However, the confusion arose when the ad, titled ‘Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans,’ featured the ‘Euphoria’ star discussing genetics in a manner that mirrored the song’s title and lyrics. Despite this resemblance, Ruder emphasized that the song is unrelated to the ad. While the ad has drawn criticism for its perceived promotion of racial stereotypes, American Eagle has defended the campaign, stating its focus is on celebrating individual confidence in wearing their jeans.
The ad’s phrasing, which mirrors the song’s title and lyrics, has led to online debates, with critics arguing it promotes stereotypes related to whiteness and attractiveness. American Eagle has stood by the ad, stating in a recent statement,