Sydney Sweeney has spoken out for the first time about the backlash surrounding her American Eagle jeans advertisement earlier this year. In an interview with People magazine, the 'Euphoria' star said she was 'surprised' by the reaction and reiterated that she is 'against hate and divisiveness.'
The campaign, which used the tagline 'Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans,' sparked outrage online, with some critics accusing the brand of glorifying white heritage and thinness, and even comparing the ads to 'Nazi propaganda.' Sweeney dismissed these interpretations, stating, '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.'
Sweeney initially remained silent on the controversy, but has now reconsidered her approach. 'In the past my stance has been to never respond to negative or positive press but recently I have come to realize that my silence regarding this issue has only widened the divide, not closed it,' she said. 'I hope this new year brings more focus on what connects us instead of what divides us.'
The controversy drew attention from high-profile figures, including White House communications manager Steven Cheung, Vice President JD Vance, and former President Donald Trump. Trump commented on the ads after reports emerged that Sweeney is a registered Republican, saying, 'Oh, now I love her ad!' Sweeney described the political involvement as 'surreal' but said she largely ignored the backlash while filming 'Euphoria.'
Sweeney, who next stars in 'The Housemaid' out December 19, told GQ magazine last month that she never felt compelled to issue a formal statement because she knows who she is and what she values. 'I know that I'm a kind person... I didn't really let other people define who I am,' she said.
