Dawn Staley Demands Apology from American Eagle for Campaign Snub of Angel Reese

In a fiery social media broadcast Thursday, Hall of Famer and legendary women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley publicly challenged American Eagle to apologize after the retailer chose actress Sydney Sweeney over LSU star Angel Reese for its recent “Denim for All” campaign.

“Jeans were invented by us, for *us. It’s a Black legacy,” Staley declared, her voice steady but seething.

Controversial Campaign Choice

The campaign, which debuted last month, prominently featured Sydney Sweeney, whose celebrity status drew attention and praise. However, the decision sparked backlash after Reese, a rising Black sports icon and cultural influencer, was notably excluded.

Staley criticized the omission, highlighting the historical significance of denim in Black culture.

“They picked her over Angel? A white girl with no roots in this legacy?” Staley asked, referencing the fact that Black laborers in the 1800s were responsible for sewing the first Levi’s jeans.

Her comments emphasize that jeans are more than fashion—they are a symbol of resilience and contribution in Black history.

Staley’s Demands

During the broadcast, Staley outlined three key requests for American Eagle:

A public acknowledgment and apology for the oversight.

Inclusion of Reese or other Black women in future campaigns with equal prominence.

A commitment to educate the public about Black contributions to denim and fashion history.

Corporate Response

American Eagle has issued a brief statement in response:

“We value all our customers and are actively reviewing our campaign strategy to reflect diverse voices.”

However, critics argue the response is insufficient, and social media has erupted under the hashtag #BlackJeansLegacy, with users demanding both accountability and recognition for Reese.

Why Representation Matters

The debate highlights the ongoing importance of cultural and historical awareness in marketing. Denim, a staple of American fashion, originated from the labor of Black workers, while Reese represents the modern face of Black female athletic excellence. Excluding her, many say, erases a crucial connection between past and present.

Staley concluded her broadcast with a message for American Eagle and the public:

“It’s not just about casting—it’s about recognizing the hands that stitched the first blue-collar trousers and letting their daughters front the photoshoot.”

The company has not yet confirmed whether it will meet Staley’s demands, but the conversation has ignited a nationwide dialogue about representation, history, and accountability in advertising.