Sydney Sweeney has finally spoken about the controversy surrounding her American Eagle denim commercial, revealing that choosing not to respond earlier only intensified the negativity. The actress, best known for roles in Anyone But You and The Housemaid, discussed the issue in a recent interview, clarifying her intentions and rejecting the assumptions tied to the ad.
Sweeney explained that she partnered with American Eagle simply because she genuinely loves the brand and has worn its denim for years. She shared that the harsh reaction took her by surprise, as some online users interpreted the slogan “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans” as a coded reference to “genes”, sparking accusations of promoting genetic superiority. Others criticised the campaign for echoing the tone of classic denim ads and appealing to the male gaze.
The actress stressed that these interpretations do not reflect her beliefs. She reaffirmed her stance against division and negativity, saying she wants to be someone who brings people together. Sweeney shared that while her usual approach is to ignore both praise and criticism, she realised that ignoring this particular controversy unintentionally deepened the misunderstanding.
As she prepares for the release of The Housemaid, Sweeney hopes the new year will inspire conversations built on unity rather than conflict. She previously told GQ that the backlash was unexpected and reiterated that she has always been a genuine fan of jeans and wears them regularly.