Overview

• An Economist/YouGov poll conducted August 9–11 found 39% of U.S. adults labeled the ‘Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans’ ad clever, while only 12% called it offensive, 40% were neutral and 8% were unsure.
• Demographic splits reveal men were more likely than women to praise the campaign (49% vs. 31%) and Republicans were more receptive than Democrats (57% vs. 22%).
• A New York Times analysis cited by Mediaite shows initial criticism came from small social-media accounts before right-leaning influencers and Vice President J.D. Vance amplified claims of Nazi-coded messaging.
• American Eagle defended the pun-driven slogan as purely a denim celebration and highlighted its limited-edition jeans release benefiting Crisis Text Line.
• Conservative outlets used the survey results to mock commentators who decried the ad online, arguing the uproar reflected a social-media echo chamber rather than widespread public concern.