Outrage Erupts Over Dunkin’s New ‘Genetics’ Ad as Backlash Follows Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle Controversy

Dunkin’ has become the latest brand to face social media scrutiny after releasing a new commercial referencing “genetics,” just days after a similar controversy erupted over Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle campaign.
Gavin Casalegno, "King of Summer," holding a Dunkin' beverage.
Dunkin’ is the latest to find itself in the liberal firing line after dropping its new commercial featuring “The Summer I Turned Pretty” star Gavin Casalegno earlier this week.

The donut and coffee chain’s new 30-second spot, which debuted on its social media platforms earlier this week, stars “The Summer I Turned Pretty” actor Gavin Casalegno. In the ad, Casalegno attributes his summer tan to genetics, saying:

“Look, I didn’t ask to be the king of summer, it just kinda happened. This tan? Genetics. Can’t help it — every time I drink a Golden Hour Refresher, it’s like the sun just finds me. So if sipping these refreshers makes me the king of summer? Guilty as charged.”
Gavin Casalegno, "King of Summer," by the pool with a Dunkin' beverage.
The 30-second clip, which was posted on the chain’s social media accounts, shows the heartthrob gushing that his tan is down to genetics.

The ad promotes Dunkin’s new summer drink, the Golden Hour Refresher, a tropical fruit beverage mixed with lemonade.

Social Media Reaction and Criticism
Man relaxing poolside with a Dunkin' drink.
“Can’t help it — every time I drink a Golden Hour Refresher, it’s like the sun just finds me,” Casalengo added. “So if sipping these refreshers makes me the king of summer? Guilty as charged.”

The commercial quickly drew criticism from some users on TikTok and other platforms, who questioned the brand’s decision to reference genetics. Critics suggested that the ad was unnecessarily invoking themes related to race and heredity.

One TikTok user commented, “Why are ads so obsessed with genetics all of a sudden?” Another referenced the recent Sydney Sweeney controversy, writing, “What in the Sydney Sweeney did I just watch?”

Some on social media, however, mocked the backlash, with one X (formerly Twitter) user joking, “Oh boy, libs are about to lose their minds again — Dunkin’ Donuts just dropped a new ad with Gavin Casalegno! Whatever you do, do not share it — because you will trigger a full-blown liberal meltdown.” Another quipped, “Dunkin’ Donuts just committed the entire left in America to the insane asylums they belong in. They broke every single leftist enforced rule imaginable.”
Sydney Sweeney in an American Eagle jeans advertisement, leaning over the open hood of a classic car.
Dunkin’s ad came days after Sydney Sweeney’s new ad for American Eagle jeans was released, which had the star talking about her jeans/genes.

The Sydney Sweeney American Eagle Ad
Sydney Sweeney in an American Eagle denim outfit.
“Genes are passed down from parents to offspring, often determining traits like hair color, personality, and even eye color,” she said in the spot, adding: “My jeans are blue.”
Sydney Sweeney in American Eagle jeans and denim jacket.
Many on the left were quick to interpret the ad as a nod to eugenics — including some who went so far as to outright call it “Nazi propaganda.”

The Dunkin’ controversy comes on the heels of similar outrage over an American Eagle ad featuring actress Sydney Sweeney. In the spot, Sweeney, dressed in American Eagle jeans and a denim jacket, discusses the concept of “genes” and “jeans” in a play on words:

“Genes are passed down from parents to offspring, often determining traits like hair color, personality, and even eye color. My jeans are blue.”

Some critics interpreted the ad as a subtle nod to eugenics, with a few going so far as to label it “Nazi propaganda.” This sparked a heated debate online, with left-leaning TikTok users leading the charge against the campaign.

Broader Debate Over Advertising Language

The recent controversies highlight a growing sensitivity to language and themes in advertising, particularly regarding references to genetics, heredity, and identity. While some see these ads as harmless wordplay or attempts at humor, others argue that brands should be more mindful of the connotations their messaging may carry.

As brands continue to navigate the complexities of modern cultural discourse, the line between clever marketing and controversy remains as thin as ever.

Dunkin’ and American Eagle have not issued statements addressing the criticism as of this writing. The debate continues to unfold across social media platforms, reflecting broader tensions about representation and sensitivity in advertising.