A resurfaced 2019 video of actress Sydney Sweeney demonstrating expert marksmanship at the Taran Tactical Innovations gun range captivated social media this week. The clip gained fresh attention following widespread criticism of her American Eagle ad campaign, which critics claim carried eugenic undertones.
The ad campaign, titled “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans,” played on the similarity between “genes” and “jeans,” showcasing Sweeney discussing physical traits like hair and eye color. Critics accused the campaign of promoting white supremacist ideals. Despite intense backlash, American Eagle defended the ad as a celebration of confidence and individuality.
The renewed attention came after public records confirmed Sweeney is a registered Republican in Florida since June 2024. Her political affiliation sparked praise from conservative leaders, including former President Trump, who described the ad as “fantastic” once aware of her voter registration.
Commentators on Fox News praised the gun footage, with one host calling her “wifey material” and emphasizing her ability to “protect the family.” Conservatives heralded the clip as a stark contrast to the “woke” values dominating Hollywood.
Sweeney made her first public appearance since the controversy on August 3 at a Los Angeles screening of her film Americana. She wore a cream gown styled in classic Hollywood fashion and faced a heckle referencing the ad’s alleged racism. The actress remained silent on the issue.
The denim ad controversy has stirred intense debate over messaging in modern marketing. Supporters argue the campaign represents a cultural shift away from activist-driven branding. Critics see coded language and imagery that align with notions of physical and genetic superiority.
Meanwhile, the viral gun-range video has offered conservatives a narrative reclamation—presenting Sweeney as capable, patriotic, and grounded in traditional American values. Whether that image endures depends on how she and her team respond going forward.
