Sydney Sweeney has addressed the significant backlash following her recent American Eagle ad campaign, which has stirred national controversy due to its perceived racial implications. In an interview with GQ, Sweeney reflected on the unexpected reactions to the ad titled “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans,” released on July 23. The campaign cleverly played on the double meaning of “good genes” and “good jeans,” but was criticized for allegedly promoting eugenics, as it featured Sweeney’s appearance as a blonde, blue-eyed woman.
Surprised by the backlash, Sweeney emphasized that her involvement in the campaign was rooted in her love for fashion. “I love jeans. All I wear are jeans,” she stated, reiterating her personal connection to the product. When the racial undertones of the criticism were brought up, she expressed her wish to control the narrative surrounding her image, remarking, “I think that when I have an issue that I want to speak about, people will hear.”
Amid the controversy, Sweeney found unexpected support from several conservative figures, including former President Donald Trump and JD Vance, both of whom condemned the backlash as a form of “cancel culture.” Trump noted, “If Sydney Sweeney is a registered Republican, I think her ad is fantastic!” highlighting the political divide that this advertising campaign has created.
Sweeney shared her method of coping with controversies, stating that she prefers confiding in friends rather than addressing issues publicly. During the onset of the backlash, she was immersed in filming the second season of “Euphoria,” which allowed her to step back from social media and its reactions.
Interestingly, despite the negative feedback, Sweeney reported a positive trend in American Eagle’s stock numbers, asserting that claims about declining in-store visits were false. “It didn’t affect me one way or the other,” she remarked, expressing pride in the campaign’s representation of her work.
As she navigates this tumultuous period in her career, Sweeney is looking forward to her upcoming film, a biopic titled “Christy,” which tells the story of pioneering female boxer Christy Martin. She hopes audiences appreciate the strength of the stories portrayed in cinema, encouraging open-mindedness regarding her artistic endeavors despite any surrounding controversies. This optimistic perspective illustrates a growing movement of empowerment and authenticity in the entertainment industry, with Sweeney and her peers challenging societal norms and embracing self-acceptance.