"Will the brands, American Eagle Outfitters or Dunkin' Donuts issue a public apology for the backlash over their 'genetics' themed advertising campaigns before September 1, 2025? This question focuses on the recent controversies surrounding American Eagle's 'Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans' campaign and Dunkin' Donuts' Golden Hour Refresher ad featuring Gavin Casalegno, both criticized for their use of genetics-related messaging, with accusations of racial undertones or promoting eugenics. A qualifying apology must be a public statement from either CEO, head officers, or marketing team, etc explicitly addressing the backlash over these specific campaigns. The question resolves to 'Yes' if either issues such an apology before the deadline, and 'No' if neither does."
Update 2025-07-30 (PST) (AI summary of creator comment): To qualify, a public statement must express regret for the public upset and directly reference the specific 'genetics' themed campaign or the backlash it sparked.
An apology does not need to admit to the substance of the accusations (e.g., promoting eugenics or racial insensitivity).
Vague apologies that fail to mention the specific campaign or backlash will not count.
1,000@WilliamGunn Yes! Good question. American Eagle Outfitters or Dunkin' Donuts must issue a public statement that directly references the controversy over their specific "genetics" themed campaigns, American Eagle's 'Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans' or Dunkin's Golden Hour Refresher, and expresses regret for the resulting public upset. A statement like, "We sincerely apologize for the distress caused by our [campaign name] advertisement and the backlash it has sparked," would qualify, even if it avoids admitting to accusations of promoting eugenics or racial insensitivity. However, vague apologies, such as "We regret any offense caused by our recent marketing," that fail to mention the specific campaign or backlash do not count.
@NeoMalthusian It's big enough they have to say something, and it's likely they'll include some details, but not agree with the interpretation people are putting on it. Lots of room for interpretation!