U.S. fashion retailer American Eagle Outfitters wanted to make a splash with its new advertising campaign starring 27-year-old actor Sydney Sweeney

Texas Sen. Ted Cruz is defending actor Sydney Sweeney from the “crazy left” after she received online backlash from American Eagle's latest marketing campaign about “great jeans.”

American Eagle’s new denim campaign featuring actor Sydney Sweeney has sparked backlash over a “genes" pun. Here’s what’s behind the controversy—and why it’s drawing so much attention.