What is Gavin Casalegno tweet controversy? Dunkin' Donuts ad with The Summer I Turned Pretty’ actor draws backlash

Dunkin’ Donuts has crowned Gavin Casalegno as the “King of Summer” in its recent ad campaign, coinciding with the launch of its Golden Hour Refresher. The new advertisement from the food chain has also sparked controversy over its use of the word “genetics,” with many referring to it as a dog whistle.

Amidst the backlash against Dunkin’, Casalegno is also under fire. The Summer I Turned Pretty actor is being called out for liking problematic posts in the past on X and other social media platforms. According to SCREENSHOT Media, he liked an anti-feminist and anti-vaccine Instagram post that read:

“When you find out she's unvaxxed, not a feminist, loves the Lord, and aspires to be a wife, mother and homemaker.”

#TheSummerITurnedPretty actor Gavin Casalegno trends after liking anti-feminist and pro anti-vaxx Instagram post:

“When you find out she's unvaxxed, not a feminist, loves the Lord, and aspires to be a wife, mother and homemaker.” pic.twitter.com/f76QARWqwC

— Pop Faction (@PopFactions) October 17, 2023

In December 2024, Instagram user @rpmodel4u shared screengrabs showing Gavin Casalegno liking questionable posts. The actor was allegedly found liking a Jordan Peterson video that featured transphobic remarks. At the same time, he appeared to like and interact with pro-Israel posts, a topic that has been highly divisive.

Gavin has continued to face online criticism for the tweets and other posts he seemingly liked in the past. After appearing in the recent Dunkin' Donuts commercial, a user lashed out at the actor and the company on X and 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!”

However, a conservative X user defended Gavin Casalegno, Dunkin’ Donuts, and wrote:

“Dunkin’ Donuts just released an ad featuring Gavin Casalegno.. Gavin has been CRITICIZED by liberals in the past for liking tweets that were anti-mask, anti-tr4ns, pro-Jan. 6th, and pro-Christianity.. We are WINNING. 🔥🔥”

Why is the Dunkin’ Donuts ad starring Gavin Casalegno being criticized?

 

 

 

 

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Dunkin’ dropped its new commercial just days after Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle ad ignited online debates. Both companies have faced criticism for the use of the words “genes” and “genetics.” In the promotional clip released by Dunkin’, Gavin Casalegno is heard saying:

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

Many have accused Dunkin’ of using a racial undertone in their ad and dog-whistling for white supremacy.

“why are there so many ads talking about genes and genetics…,” a user questioned.

“dog whistles aren’t even whistles anymore just straight up megaphones,” another user claimed.

“Two big ads alluding to “desirable genetics” should be a major red flag for a lot of us,” someone added.

“who the hell is writing these scripts for these ads why do we keep talking about genes. the f*ck does that have to do with my drink,” another one wrote.

Neither Dunkin’ nor Casalegno has addressed the controversy. However, the actor previously commented on the all-new Golden Hour Refresher and his collaboration with the company in a statement:

“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. I’ve been a Dunkin’ fan for years, so teaming up again is such a fun way to celebrate summer.”

Gavin Casalegno was also seen in Dunkin’s $6 Meal Deal campaign in April. The commercial also featured James Marsden, Charles Melton, Tramell Tillman, and Dylan Efron.