Hollywood actress Sydney Sweeney has addressed the backlash surrounding her recent American Eagle jeans advertisement, claiming that her prior silence has contributed to the growing divide around the issue. The ad for the “Great Jeans” campaign ignited controversy due to its play on words between “jeans” and “genes,” which some critics perceived as an allusion to eugenics, a widely discredited notion regarding selective breeding. However, American Eagle clarified that the ad strictly pertains to their denim offerings.
In an interview with People magazine, Sweeney expressed her surprise over the negative responses, stating, “I did it because I love the jeans and love the brand.” She emphasized that she does not endorse the views that some individuals have attributed to the campaign. “Anyone who knows me knows that I’m always trying to bring people together,” she remarked, reinforcing her stance against hate and divisiveness.
Sweeney reflected on her usual practice of maintaining silence regarding public reactions, but acknowledged that her recent quietness may have only fueled further division. With aspirations for the upcoming year, she hopes for a greater emphasis on unity rather than discord.
The ad, released in July, features Sweeney humorously blending genetics and fashion: “Genes are passed down from parents to offspring, often determining traits like hair colour, personality and even eye colour. My jeans are blue.” Following her initial public scrutiny, she continued to express her love for jeans in interviews, stating, “I mean, the reaction definitely was a surprise, but I love jeans. All I wear are jeans.”
In response to the controversy, American Eagle reaffirmed through an Instagram post that “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans is and always was about the jeans. Her jeans. Her story.” The brand stressed their commitment to celebrating individual styles and confidence in wearing their denim.
Beyond the advertisement controversy, Sweeney, who gained recognition from HBO’s acclaimed series Euphoria, is currently in the spotlight for her upcoming film, The Housemaid, which is based on Freida McFadden’s bestselling novel and features Amanda Seyfried. Her continued rise in Hollywood signals a promising future, as she navigates both admiration and scrutiny in the public eye.