South Africa, Aug. 12 -- Instead, the Euphoria star is making rounds for her role in a contentious ad campaign with American Eagle Outfitters.While the entire campaign sparked debate online, one particular ad has drawn especially intense criticism. In it, Sweeney lounges artfully on a chaise while fastening a pair of American Eagle jeans. In a breathy voiceover, she says, "Genes are passed down from parents to offspring, often determining traits like hair colour, personality and even eye colour."

As the camera slowly pans upward and she turns her eyes toward the viewer, Sweeney concludes, "My jeans are blue."

Commentators and social media users have argued the campaign serves as a conservative dog whistle, conveying thinly veiled suppor...