Brittney Griner Criticizes American Eagle Campaign, Says Denim Represents “Black Cultural Legacy”

Brittney Griner Criticizes American Eagle Campaign, Says Denim Represents “Black Cultural Legacy”.

Basketball star Brittney Griner has sparked widespread discussion after publicly criticizing American Eagle’s recent denim campaign featuring actress Sydney Sweeney. Griner asserted that the campaign failed to acknowledge what she described as the deep cultural influence of Black communities on American style, particularly denim and streetwear aesthetics.

Speaking at a recent public appearance, Griner framed the issue in cultural and symbolic terms, stating:

“I represent the blueprint of American womanhood. Denim, confidence, shape, identity — so much of that comes from Black legacy. If we’re talking about the true image of American style, that conversation has to include us.”

Griner further argued that American Eagle’s campaign reflected what she viewed as a historic pattern of overlooking Black cultural originators in favor of more “commercially palatable” public figures. She called the campaign selection “culturally dismissive” and stated that a national acknowledgment of Black influence on style is long overdue.

Background

American Eagle recently launched a widely publicized denim initiative starring Sydney Sweeney, whose rising visibility in film and brand partnerships has made her a popular face in contemporary fashion marketing. The campaign has been praised by some for Sweeney’s broad cultural appeal, while others, including Griner and her supporters, say the campaign contributes to a broader trend of erasing Black contributions to fashion identity.

Though denim as a textile and garment has a well-documented history tracing to European and American industrial development in the 19th century, contemporary cultural critics note that Black communities have played a major role in shaping modern denim silhouettes, styling norms, and fashion-forward reinterpretations.

Public Reaction

Griner’s statements quickly gained traction online, prompting:

Debate over cultural credit and representation

Discussions in fashion and cultural commentary spaces

Thousands of social media posts examining denim’s place within American identity

Some commentators agree with Griner’s emphasis on acknowledging influence, arguing that Black innovation in music, streetwear, and athletic culture has directly shaped today’s mainstream aesthetics.
Others viewed her remarks as overstated or symbolic rather than historically literal.

Meanwhile, Sydney Sweeney has not commented on the discussion, and American Eagle has not issued a statement regarding Griner’s remarks.