The ad itself features Sweeney in denim, musing about genetics before flashing a knowing smile. At one point, the camera pans downward. She interrupts: “Hey, eyes up here.” A wink, a joke, a reset. It was all part of the script.

Pop star Lizzo has added her voice to the online backlash surrounding Sydney Sweeney’s recent American Eagle ad. The singer shared a photoshopped image on Instagram, playfully imitating Sweeney’s pose while adding her own meme to the polarizing campaign.

Sydney Sweeney's nonresponse to backlash over her American Eagle "Good Jeans" ad suggests a brand strategy that embraces controversy, PR experts say.