Sydney Sweeney has spoken out for the first time about the American Eagle jeans campaign that sparked a national firestorm earlier this year. In a new cover story for GQ magazine, the 'Euphoria' star said she never considered issuing a formal statement to defend the ads, explaining: 'I’ve always believed that I’m not here to tell people what to think.'
The campaign, which used the tagline 'Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans,' was criticised online for allegedly promoting white heritage and thin physique, with some comparing it to 'Nazi propaganda.' The controversy escalated to the point where the Trump White House weighed in, with communications manager Steven Cheung calling it 'cancel culture run amok.' Vice President JD Vance mocked liberals, while President Donald Trump, upon learning Sweeney is a registered Republican, said: 'Oh, now I love her ad!'
Sweeney told GQ that having Trump and Vance comment on the ads was 'surreal,' but she largely ignored the backlash. 'I kind of just put my phone away,' she said, noting she was working 16-hour days filming 'Euphoria.' She also revealed that American Eagle's stock rose 38% during the controversy, adding: 'I was aware of the numbers... So when I saw all the headlines of in-store visits were down a certain percentage, none of it was true.'
The actor, who is currently promoting her biopic 'Christy' about boxer Christy Martin, said she doesn't let others define her. 'I know who I am. I know what I value... I don’t really let other people define who I am,' she said. Addressing those who might avoid her work due to the controversy, she expressed hope that they remain open to art and learning.
