Sydney Sweeney is finally addressing the buzz surrounding her American Eagle jeans campaign. In a recent interview with GQ, the “Euphoria” star reflected on the unexpected backlash that erupted earlier this year. Despite the controversy, she chose not to issue a formal statement. “I’ve always believed that I’m not here to tell people what to think,” she said.
Sweeney emphasized her self-awareness and values: “I know who I am. I’m a kind person, and I’m just excited to see what happens next.”
Regarding the campaign, she stated, “I did a jean ad. I mean, the reaction definitely was a surprise, but I love jeans. It didn’t affect me one way or the other.” The campaign’s tagline, “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans,” cleverly played on “great genes,” but some criticized it for allegedly promoting her white heritage and thin physique. The backlash was intense, with some users on social media even likening the ads to “Nazi propaganda.”
The controversy got so heated that figures from Trump’s White House commented on it. Steven Cheung, communications manager, claimed it was a prime example of “cancel culture run amok.” Vice President JD Vance mocked the outrage, saying, “My political advice to the Democrats is continue to tell everybody who thinks Sydney Sweeney is attractive is a Nazi.”
Even Donald Trump chimed in, praising Sweeney after learning she is a registered Republican. “If Sydney Sweeney is a registered Republican, I think her ad is fantastic!” he said.
Sweeney found it surreal to have such political figures weighing in, but she didn’t pay much attention to the controversy. “I kind of just put my phone away,” she explained. While working long days on “Euphoria,” she nearly tuned out the noise.
Interestingly, she noted that American Eagle’s stock rose by 38% amid the backlash. “When I saw headlines about in-store visits being down, it was all made up,” she claimed.
Currently, she’s promoting “Christy,” her new biopic about boxer Christy Martin. Sweeney shared that people who might judge her based on the jeans ad or her political stance are missing out on powerful stories. “I hope that something else can open their eyes to learning,” she said.
This situation reflects a growing trend where celebrity endorsements can spark public and political debates. It raises questions about the impact of social media on marketing and the role of influencers in shaping public opinion. As Sweeney navigates these waters, her story serves as a reminder of the complex relationship between fame, advertising, and societal values.
For more insights, check out GQ’s full interview with Sweeney here.
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