Following American Eagle’s controversial “great jeans” campaign with Sydney Sweeney, Dunkin’ is now under fire for its latest ad featuring actor Gavin Casalegno. The criticism centers around the use of “genetics” as a selling point for the brand’s limited-edition Golden Hour Refresher-a messaging choice some say promotes narrow beauty standards.
The 35-second spot stars Casalegno, known for his role in The Summer I Turned Pretty, confidently claiming:
“I didn’t ask to be the king of summer, it just kind of happened. Must be the tan, genetics. I just got my color analysis back and guess what? Golden summer. Every time I drink a Dunkin’ Golden Hour Refresher, it’s like the sun just finds me.”
The ad, intended to be light and summery, has drawn social media backlash for echoing similar tones to the Sweeney campaign, which was accused of promoting Eurocentric ideals. Viewers were quick to call it out.
“Why are ads so obsessed with genetics all of a sudden?” one user commented.
Another joked, “What in the Sydney Sweeney did I just watch?”
While some criticized the ad’s messaging, others dismissed the outrage as overblown and took a more humorous stance.
From “great jeans” to “golden glow,” the conversation online is shifting. It’s no longer just about the product- it’s about how brands communicate identity, inclusivity, and beauty in a culturally aware landscape.
