Sydney Sweeney is addressing the significant backlash surrounding her recent American Eagle ad campaign, which sparked national controversy for its perceived racial implications. In an interview with GQ, Sweeney spoke about the unexpected reactions to the ad titled “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans,” which was released on July 23. The ad cleverly played on the words “good genes” and “good jeans,” but drew criticism for allegedly promoting eugenics due to stereotypes associated with her appearance as a blonde, blue-eyed woman.
Sweeney expressed surprise at the backlash but maintained her stance that her role in the campaign was purely about fashion. “I love jeans. All I wear are jeans,” she stated, emphasizing her personal affinity for the product. When confronted about the racial connotations of the criticism, she remarked, “I think that when I have an issue that I want to speak about, people will hear,” hinting at her desire to control the narrative around her image and career.
During the controversy, Sweeney received unexpected support from several conservative figures, including former President Donald Trump and JD Vance, who criticized the backlash as an example of “cancel culture.” Trump noted, “If Sydney Sweeney is a registered Republican, I think her ad is fantastic!” showcasing the political division that has emerged from the advertising campaign.
In a candid moment, Sweeney revealed her approach to handling controversies. She prefers to vent to friends rather than confront issues directly in public, focusing instead on her personal values and self-definition. Sweeney also shared that during the height of the backlash, she was engrossed in filming the second season of her hit show “Euphoria,” and disconnected from much of the social media reaction.
Interestingly, despite the criticism, Sweeney saw a positive correlation with American Eagle’s stock numbers, asserting that reports about declining in-store visits were untrue, and she was aware of the campaign’s continued success. “It didn’t affect me one way or the other,” she concluded, proud of the work the ad represented.
As Sweeney navigates this challenging phase in her career, she remains focused on her upcoming film, a biopic titled “Christy,” centered on the life of trailblazing female boxer Christy Martin. She hopes that viewers will appreciate the powerful stories told through cinema, encouraging those who may judge her based on controversies to keep an open mind about her artistic endeavors. This optimistic outlook reflects a broader trend of empowerment and self-acceptance in the entertainment industry, with Sweeney and other prominent figures challenging societal standards and emphasizing authenticity.