Sydney Sweeney is finally addressing the backlash over her recent American Eagle denim campaign, which sparked controversy for its wordplay on “jeans” and “genes.” The actress says she was caught off guard by comparisons to “white supremacist” ideas and insists she does not support the interpretations some viewers attached to the ad.
The campaign, released on July 23 and titled “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans,” immediately drew attention online. Critics argued the wordplay implied racial overtones tied to genetic superiority, while others said the visuals seemed to cater to the male gaze, echoing debates around Brooke Shields’ 1980 denim ads.
“I was honestly surprised by the reaction,” Sweeney told RadarOnline.com. “I did it because I love the jeans and love the brand. I don’t support the views some people chose to connect to the campaign. Many have assigned motives and labels to me that just aren’t true.”
American Eagle responded quickly, emphasizing that the campaign was intended to focus on the jeans, not any broader social commentary. “’Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans’ is and always was about the jeans. Her jeans. Her story,” the brand said in an Instagram statement. “We’ll continue to celebrate how everyone wears their AE jeans with confidence, their way. Great jeans look good on everyone.”
Sweeney explained she decided to speak out to counter the negativity and clarify her values. She describes herself as someone who “leads with kindness” and wants to push back against online divisiveness.
“Anyone who knows me knows that I’m always trying to bring people together. I’m against hate and divisiveness,” she said. “In the past, my stance has been to never respond to negative or positive press, but recently I’ve realized that my silence regarding this issue has only widened the divide, not closed it. I hope this new year brings more focus on what connects us instead of what divides us.”
Despite the controversy, the campaign proved commercially successful. American Eagle reported a surge in sales, with Sweeney’s pieces quickly selling out. The Sydney Jacket sold out in a single day, while the Sydney Jean — part of a collaboration benefiting the Crisis Text Line — sold out within a week.
Sweeney, meanwhile, is promoting her upcoming Paul Feig-directed film, The Housemaid, and said filming strengthened her bond with co-star Amanda Seyfried.
Sydney, pay no attention to the A-hole nut jobs.
The whole issue was probably started by some Cow the size & looks of Rosie O’Donnell, with even LESS talent !