"He's also been cancelled for being MAGA": Dunkin Donuts genetics ad controversy explained as netizens react to Gavin Casalegno scandal

The Summer I Turned Pretty actor Gavin Casalegno has found himself in hot water after appearing in a recent Dunkin Donuts genetics commercial. On Tuesday, July 29, 2025, the brand dropped an advertisement for its newest Golden Hour Refresher, featuring Casalegno sitting near a pool, hailing himself as the "king of summer." However, he continues to add:

"This tan? Genetics. I just got my color analysis back… guess what? Golden summer, literally."

The ad alluding to genetics was reminiscent of Sydney Sweeney's recent American Eagle campaign, which featured the tagline, "Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans."

Notably, jeans was played as a pun for genes. The campaign faced criticism, with many stating it was a dog whistle for eugenics.

Dunkin’ releases new ad starring ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ actor Gavin Casalegno:

“This tan? Genetics. I just got my color analysis back… guess what? Golden summer, literally.” pic.twitter.com/kp5Xq5ypLs

— Pop Base (@PopBase) July 30, 2025

Needless to say, people were quick to react. One commented:

"he’s also been canceled for being “maga” LOL."

Many questioned the use of the word genetics in commercials.

"what’s up with these creepy ads lately?" one questioned.

"This better not become a trend..." a user added.

Others slammed the criticism Gavin Casalegno's ad was receiving.

"HOW is this nazi propaganda? how? you're only saying this because of the Sweeney ad. We can't make ads that include the word 'genetics' anymore? damn," one commented.

"It is just a coffee brand running a summer promo with a popular actor. Not everything needs outrage. Let people enjoy their iced coffee and move on," another chimed in.

Some noted that the attention Sydney Sweeney's ad received might have prompted other companies to exploit the trend.

"Feeling cute. Gonna buy me some wide leg jeans from @AEO and grab a coffee from @dunkindonuts," a person joked.

"Well if people stop blowing sh*t out of proportion like they did for the Sydney Sweeney ad, the marketing department wouldn't exploit the attention these type of ads are getting," another pointed out.

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Gavin Casalegno and the Dunkin Donuts scandal explained

In his Dunkin commercial, Gavin Casalegno notes his tan is a result of his "genetics" before adding he got his color analysis, which showed "golden summer." He continued:

"I can't help it. Every time I drinking a Dunkin' Golden Hour refresher, it's like the sun just finds me. So, if sipping these refreshers makes me the king of summer, guilty as charged."

According to People magazine, while Casalegno promoted the Golden Hour refresher, Dunkin rolled out its Blueberry Breeze option.

When questioned why he chose the particular flavor, the actor stated:

"There’s just something about a summer sunset that makes everything feel a little better, and Dunkin’s Golden Hour Refresher really captures that vibe. It’s refreshing and kind of just lifts your mood."

However, Gavin Casalegno's advertisement came as the internet continued to debate American Eagle's controversial campaign featuring Sweeney.

Notably, one ad saw the actress painting over the word "genes" to display "jeans" on a billboard for it to now read, "Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans."

Another saw the Anyone But You star lying down on a couch as she buttoned up her denims while stating:

"Jeans are passed down from parents to offspring, often determining traits like hair color, personality, and even eye color. My jeans are blue."

The latter ad received backlash for seemingly promoting eugenics. Eugenics is a scientifically inaccurate theory claiming the human race could be improved by "selectively mating people" with "desirable hereditary traits."

However, it was based on xenophobic and racist beliefs. Notably, the N*zis used it to justify creating the master race with blue eyes and blonde hair as well as exterminating those they deemed inferior.

It is unsurprising that some netizens connected the two campaigns, notably questioning why the company would use the word "genetics."

First, Leftists had a complete meltdown over Sydney Sweeney's American Eagle ad.

Now they are having ANOTHER meltdown over a new, similar ad by Dunkin' Donuts featuring actor Gavin Casalegno.

They never stop complaining. pic.twitter.com/uDnXnXihIK

— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) July 30, 2025

For context, fans on The Summer I Turned Pretty subreddit (r/TheSummerITurnedPrett) theorize Casalegno was a Trump supporter. Many users shared screenshots of Gavin Casalegno's Instagram activity as evidence of the claim.

This included linking an anti-vaccine post suggesting women who were "not a feminist, love(d) the lord, and aspire(d) to be a wife, mother, and homemaker" were better.

It is worth noting that the actor later claimed someone used his account to like the aforementioned post. He alleged he didn't have Instagram on his phone most of the days but thanked his fans for bringing the matter to his attention. Casalegno asserted that the post didn't portray his beliefs.

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Per the outlet, Gavin Casalegno has previously collaborated with the food chain for their $6 Meal Deal campaign alongside James Marsden, Charles Melton, Tramell Tillman, and Dylan Efron.

Neither Casalegno nor Dunkin Donuts has publicly commented on the controversy.