Lizzo confronts Sydney Sweeney's American Eagle ad controversy with a bold new lyric, challenging societal beauty norms. The incident sparks a wider dialogue.
Lizzo is no stranger to societal critiques and bold commentary, and her recent lyrical jab at Sydney Sweeney highlights just that. On August 6, the Grammy-winning artist made waves with a new song snippet referencing Sweeney’s controversial American Eagle advertisement.
The lyric, which candidly mentions Sweeney, came amidst backlash over the ad’s seemingly exclusionary messaging. Lizzo doesn’t hold back, delivering a pointed verse while washing a red Porsche in her latest TikTok video: “No kizzy, he ain’t got no business being with me / Fat a**, pretty face with the titties / B**ch, I got good genes, like I’m Sydney,” she raps.
The timing of this lyrical release is no coincidence. On August 4, Lizzo had already hinted at the song while chastising conservative critics. In a clip that went viral, a Fox News commentator derided the “woke agenda,” condemning the commercial. “We are over the Lizzos, we are over the Dylan Mulvaneys,” the commentator proclaimed.
Lizzo’s response was unflinching. “Lizzo’s got good jeans,” she captioned the TikTok that showcases her zipping up a pair of jeans, parodying Sweeney’s pose in the original ad. This bold move comes after much controversy surrounding Sweeney’s campaign, which has been criticized for promoting a specific beauty archetype—blonde, blue-eyed, and white—as the standard of “good genes.”
American Eagle responded with their side of the story, clarifying that their campaign message, “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans,” was always intended to be about the jeans themselves, not a commentary on genetic superiority. “Great jeans look good on everyone,” the brand reassured.
Not one to shy away from social commentary, Lizzo had also engaged with fans on Instagram regarding the issue. A meme posted on July 31, depicting Lizzo wearing denim with the caption, “If the Democrats won the election,” got a witty reply from the singer: “My jeans are black.”
Lizzo’s unyielding stance aligns with her broader mission of advocating for inclusivity and self-love—values she has consistently championed in her music and public persona. This recent kerfuffle joins a long list of instances where Lizzo has used her art to push back against societal norms, echoing the sentiment expressed in her surprise mixtape released in June, MY FACE HURTS FROM SMILING.
Her approach is reminiscent of other artists who have used their platforms to confront controversy head-on. Whether it’s Kendrick Lamar addressing racial issues or Beyoncé highlighting feminism, Lizzo stands tall among those who harness their celebrity for broader societal discussions.
Lizzo’s lyrical retort is not just about clapping back at critics—it’s an assertion of the many ways hip-hop and pop culture can challenge prejudices and start conversations. More than delivering catchy tunes, Lizzo’s work challenges her audience to reconsider rigid standards of beauty and success.
As the dialogue around inclusivity in media continues to evolve, Lizzo’s contribution signifies the importance of diverse voices in the narrative of fashion and entertainment. Her confident self-assertion, much like her music, resonates with fans and critics alike, and reminds us all that great “jeans” are as varied as the stories they tell.
