Sydney Sweeney finally broke her silence on the unexpected firestorm ignited by her American Eagle jeans campaign earlier this year. The controversy, which rapidly escalated beyond a simple advertisement, caught many by surprise, including the actress herself.
“I did a jean ad,” Sweeney stated, her tone matter-of-fact. “The reaction definitely was a surprise, but I love jeans. All I wear are jeans. I’m literally in jeans and a T-shirt every day of my life.” She maintained a clear perspective, emphasizing the ad’s straightforward purpose: showcasing a quality product.
The campaign, centered around the tagline “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans,” quickly drew criticism for its perceived connection to the phrase “great genes.” Accusations of promoting unrealistic beauty standards and reinforcing exclusionary ideals flooded social media, transforming a fashion advertisement into a national debate.
The intensity of the backlash reached an astonishing level, drawing commentary from the highest echelons of political power. Former President Donald Trump, upon learning of Sweeney’s reported Republican affiliation, publicly declared his approval of the ad, praising it as “fantastic.”
Vice President JD Vance joined the conversation, sharply criticizing the outrage as manufactured hysteria from liberal critics. He suggested the opposing side was essentially labeling anyone who found Sweeney attractive as extremist.
Sweeney described the experience of watching political figures dissect her denim ad as “surreal.” She revealed a deliberate strategy of disengagement, prioritizing her demanding work schedule on the set of *Euphoria*.
“I kind of just put my phone away,” she explained. “I was filming *Euphoria*, so I’m working 16-hour days, and I don’t really bring my phone on set, so I work and then I go home and I go to sleep. So I didn’t really see a lot of it.” This distance allowed her to focus on her craft and avoid being consumed by the online frenzy.
Choosing not to issue a public statement during the height of the controversy, Sweeney asserted her commitment to individual autonomy. “I’ve always believed that I’m not here to tell people what to think,” she said firmly. “I know who I am. I know what I value.”
Reports suggesting the controversy negatively impacted American Eagle’s sales proved inaccurate. In fact, the brand’s stock experienced a notable increase during the campaign, demonstrating a surprising resilience in the face of public criticism.
Now focused on promoting her new boxing biopic, *Christy*, Sweeney appears to have moved beyond the noise. She expressed a hope that those quick to judge might reconsider their perspectives.
“If somebody is closed off because of something they read online … I hope something else opens their eyes to being open to art and to learning,” she stated. “I’m not going to be affected by that.” Sweeney’s resolve underscores her dedication to her work and her unwavering sense of self.
