Sydney Sweeney Responds Directly to Criticism of American Eagle Jeans Ad

Sydney Sweeney, star of Euphoria, faced unexpected controversy this summer following her American Eagle jeans advertisement. In a recent interview with People, Sweeney shared her surprise at the public reaction. I was genuinely taken aback by the response, she said. I participated because I genuinely like the jeans and admire the brand. I do not endorse any interpretations or messages that some have associated with the campaign. Many assumptions and labels placed on me are simply incorrect.

The campaign featured Sweeney discussing genetics, followed by a voiceover highlighting her great jeans, playing on the homophones genes and jeans. Some viewers on social media perceived this as an endorsement of certain racial implications, due to Sweeneys blond hair and blue eyes.

Earlier this year, Sweeney avoided commenting directly on the controversy. In September, speaking to Vanity Fair, she focused on her film Christy at the Toronto International Film Festival, stating she wasnt there to talk about jeans. In November, during an interview with GQ, she again declined to address questions about potential implications of genetic superiority, saying, I think that when I have an issue that I want to speak about, people will hear.

In the People interview, Sweeney emphasized her commitment to unity, stating she is always trying to bring people together and opposes hate and divisiveness. She added, Previously, I chose not to respond to press, whether positive or negative, but Ive realized that staying silent on this matter has only increased the divide. I hope that the coming year emphasizes what unites us rather than what separates us.

Sweeney is also promoting her upcoming psychological thriller, The Housemaid, co-starring Amanda Seyfried, set to premiere in U.S. theaters on December 19. After a year with underwhelming box office results for her films Americana, Eden, and Christy, industry observers will be watching closely to see how recent public scrutiny might impact the films reception.

Author: Olivia Parker