Happy Thursday, you pop culture junkies! This week, Brooke takes a look at two companies that have made a stir with the public for very different reasons.

First, we have American Eagle’s GOOD GENES campaign with Sydney Sweeney that has been a lightning rod across social media. Lots of hand wringing over the campaign and choice of words and people calling for Sydney Sweeney’s head. CALM DOWN EVERYONE! In an uproar that mainly lived in TikTok and then bled out on Twitter, Brooke gives a look into some of the reactions and explains why. This was ALL so avoidable. But also, CALM DOWN EVERYONE.

Then, we look at the company at the center of KISS CAMGATE and that is Astronomer. They hired Chris Martin’s consciously uncoupled ex-wife, Gwyneth Paltrow as “temporary spokesperson” for a tongue in cheek video that definitely raised more awareness of the brand but PERHAPS wasn’t in the best of taste? The Internet is divided!

And lastly, the ‘90s are BACK. From Oasis to the Backstreet Boys to Justin Timberlake and some fashion moments…we are back, baby.

This week’s newsletter:

https://popculturemondays.com/2025/07/28/the-brand-campaigns-edition/