Sydney Sweeney Expresses Surprise at Backlash for Her American Eagle Denim Ad: 'I Stand Against Hate'

Sydney Sweeney expressed her surprise at the criticism surrounding her American Eagle ad, emphasizing that the campaign was meant to showcase her appreciation for the brand and its jeans. I was truly caught off guard by the reaction, Sweeney told PEOPLE in a recent interview. I participated because I genuinely love the jeans and the brand. I dont endorse the opinions some individuals have linked to the campaign. Many have assigned motives and labels to me that are simply not accurate.

The Euphoria star encountered controversy this summer after the campaign launched with the tagline, Sydney Sweeney has great jeans, prompting some to interpret the ad as having racial undertones implying genetic superiority.

Despite the debate, American Eagle defended the ad, stating in August that the focus was always on the jeans. Her jeans. Her story. Four months later, the discussion around the ad continues, leading Sweeney to address the issue once more. Anyone who knows me understands that I strive to unite people. I oppose hate and division, Sweeney shared. Previously, I avoided commenting on both positive and negative press, but Ive realized that staying silent only deepened the divide. I hope the new year encourages focusing on what unites us rather than what separates us.

Last month, Sweeney initially commented on the campaign in her GQ cover story, describing it simply as a jean ad. She said, I did a jean ad. The reaction was surprising, but I love jeans. I literally wear jeans and a T-shirt every day. She added that filming Euphoria Season 3 kept her from fully noticing how viral the ad became at the time.

Despite the ongoing discussion, the controversy has not significantly affected Sweeneys career. Her upcoming film, The Housemaid, co-starring Amanda Seyfried, is set to release later this month.

Author: Connor Blake