American Eagle’s campaign features Sweeney in denim, standing beside a billboard that reads “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Genes" before replacing "jeans" with "genes."

Actress Sydney Sweeney has dominated headlines in recent weeks amid her partnership with American Eagle, which has emerged as the latest flashpoint in the culture war between liberals and conservatives.

When a brand sees momentum stall so sharply, it often reflects a reputational or cultural factor cutting through to consumers.”