Sydney Sweeney Faces Backlash Over Jeans Ad and Voter Registration Amid Culture War

Last week, I came across an unexpected controversy on social media involving actress Sydney Sweeney, known for her role in "Euphoria." The 27-year-old actress was criticized for a lighthearted jeans advertisement by American Eagle, which playfully used a pun involving genes and jeans. The campaign faced accusations ranging from promoting eugenics to endorsing white supremacy. The controversy intensified when it was revealed that Sweeney had registered as a Republican voter in Monroe County, Florida, on June 14, 2024. Many social media users expressed surprise at her political affiliation, despite her support for causes like LGBTQ+ rights, transgender rights, Black Lives Matter, and pro-choice initiatives. Critics on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) accused her of being part of a conspiracy or having hidden political motives, while defenders argued that her private voting choices should remain personal. Steven Cheung, the White House Communications Director, criticized the backlash as an example of "cancel culture run amok," attributing it to "warped liberal thinking." American Eagle’s stock rose 4% following the release of the campaign, demonstrating that the market responded...