After American Eagle, Dunkin’ faces backlash over Gavin Casalegno’s ‘Golden Hour’ ad

Just days after American Eagle’s “great jeans” campaign featuring Sydney Sweeney was called out for promoting Eurocentric beauty ideals, Dunkin’ is facing similar criticism for its latest ad.

The coffee and beverage chain recently rolled out a campaign for its Golden Hour Refresher, featuring American actor Gavin Casalegno, best known for his role in The Summer I Turned Pretty.

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In the 35-second spot, Casalegno says:
“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.”

Casalegno seems to attribute his summer glow to “genetics,” echoing a similar beauty-coded narrative that drew flak in the Sweeney campaign. He is seen promoting Dunkin’s limited-edition summer drink range.

The internet was quick to react.

"Why are ads so obsessed with genetics all of a sudden?" one viewer commented.
"What in the Sydney Sweeney did I just watch?" another wrote.

Dunkin’ Donuts supports a Zionist, pro-lifer, misogynist, cheater, anti-vaxxer, homophobe, Republican, and transphobe. Don’t give them your money- Tim Hortons is way better! https://t.co/PBkff955iV

— ♡Magss♡ (@xmaggiepiazzax) July 30, 2025

Others, meanwhile, poked fun at what they saw as overblown outrage.

🚨Oh boy, libs are about to lose their minds again—Dunkin’ Donuts just dropped a new ad with Gavin Casalegno! 😂😭😂

Whatever you do, do not share it—because you will trigger a full-blown liberal meltdown. pic.twitter.com/tW5IiOU6PK

— I Meme Therefore I Am 🇺🇸 (@ImMeme0) July 30, 2025

Dunkin Donuts CEO after losing "billions since going woke."

Drops this 🔥ad and liberals are losing their minds.

Welcome back to hotness 😂

pic.twitter.com/fVYdngDQ1N

— 🇺🇸𝕄𝔸𝔾𝔸 𝑵𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒚 ن ♱ (@45LVNancy) July 30, 2025

From "great jeans" to "golden glow," the internet isn't just reacting to ads, it’s reframing the conversation around beauty and belonging.