Sydney Sweeney Breaks Her Silence on Viral Jeans Ad Backlash
Sydney Sweeney Addresses American Eagle Ad Backlash, Says She Is “Against Hate”
Months after her American Eagle “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans” campaign stirred controversy, actress Sydney Sweeney is speaking publicly about the backlash. Critics claimed the ad’s use of “jeans” as a double entendre for “genes” carried racial undertones — an interpretation Sweeney says she never intended.
In a new interview with People, the two-time Emmy nominee said she was “honestly surprised by the reaction,” emphasizing that she joined the campaign simply because she “loves the jeans and the brand.” Sweeney clarified that she does not support any discriminatory views some critics associated with the ad.
The actress explained that while she traditionally avoids responding to press — whether positive or negative — she felt compelled to address the situation after a recent interview clip went viral.
“Anyone who knows me knows that I’m always trying to bring people together,” Sweeney said. “I’m against hate and divisiveness. My silence regarding this issue has only widened the divide, not closed it.”
Sweeney added that she hopes the new year encourages more unity: “I hope this new year brings more focus on what connects us instead of what divides us.”Sydney Sweeney Addresses American Eagle Ad Backlash, Says She Is “Against Hate”
Months after her American Eagle “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans” campaign stirred controversy, actress Sydney Sweeney is speaking publicly about the backlash. Critics claimed the ad’s use of “jeans” as a double entendre for “genes” carried racial undertones — an interpretation Sweeney says she never intended.
In a new interview with People, the two-time Emmy nominee said she was “honestly surprised by the reaction,” emphasizing that she joined the campaign simply because she “loves the jeans and the brand.” Sweeney clarified that she does not support any discriminatory views some critics associated with the ad.
The actress explained that while she traditionally avoids responding to press — whether positive or negative — she felt compelled to address the situation after a recent interview clip went viral.
“Anyone who knows me knows that I’m always trying to bring people together,” Sweeney said. “I’m against hate and divisiveness. My silence regarding this issue has only widened the divide, not closed it.”
Sweeney added that she hopes the new year encourages more unity: “I hope this new year brings more focus on what connects us instead of what divides us.”
