In a striking example of the power of celebrity influence — and the cost of polarizing content — recent reports have revealed a staggering financial contrast between two major entertainment figures: Stephen Colbert and Sydney Sweeney.
Stephen Colbert, host of CBS’s The Late Show, is reportedly costing the network up to $50 million annually. The source of the financial strain? His increasingly “woke”-leaning comedic segments, which critics argue have alienated a large portion of the audience. While Colbert remains a high-profile figure in late-night television, ratings have fluctuated, advertisers have pulled back, and CBS is feeling the heat.
Meanwhile, Sydney Sweeney — the rising Hollywood star known for her roles in Euphoria and Anyone But You — made headlines not for controversy, but for denim. In a casual, seemingly effortless campaign with American Eagle, Sweeney sent the brand’s stock soaring by 10%, adding a jaw-dropping $200 million to its market value. All she had to do? Show up in jeans.
The comparison highlights a shifting entertainment and marketing landscape. Colbert’s political and social commentary has its loyal fan base, but it’s also becoming a costly gamble for a traditional network like CBS. On the flip side, Sweeney’s non-political, relatable charm has proven to be a marketing goldmine — particularly with Gen Z and millennial shoppers.
As entertainment executives weigh their options, the question lingers: In today’s cultural economy, is it more profitable to make a statement or just wear the jeans?
Stephen Colbert comments on Sydney Sweeney’s ad
Stephen Colbert has been in the news over the past few days after his show was canceled by CBS. He also performed an elaborate skit with the help of his contemporaries. He pointed to the alleged political pressure behind the cancellation of Late Night with Stephen Colbert.
Colbert recently shared his opinion on the American Eagle ad, which featured a wordplay on “jeans” and “genes.” The ad sparked severe backlash for allegedly promoting pro-eugenics propaganda and undertones of White supremacy.
Colbert weighed in on the matter but did not appear to take it as seriously as others. “I don’t want to alarm you, but the internet is mad about something,” he said on Wednesday night. “This time, it’s a commercial from American Eagle Outfitters starring Sydney Sweeney, take a look.”
He played the clip and continued, “Just like Sydney Sweeney, I also carry the gene for sexy commercial scratchy voice. I get it from my uncle on my mother’s side … Now, some people look at this and they’re seeing something sinister, saying that the genes-jeans denim wordplay in an ad featuring a white blond woman means American Eagle could be promoting eugenics, white supremacy, and Nazi propaganda.” He added, “That might be a bit of an overreaction — although Hitler did briefly model for Mein Kampfort Fit Jeans.” He concluded joking, “How do you say ‘badonk’ in German?”