Sydney Sweeney opens up on American Eagle ad backlash, says it ‘didn’t affect me’

Euphoria star Sydney Sweeney has responded to the criticism surrounding her American Eagle jeans advertisement, saying that the controversy did not bother her and that she refuses to let others define her identity.

The campaign carried the tagline “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans,” a play on the phrase “great genes.” However, many social media users labelled it racist, alleging it glorified the actor’s white heritage. The Emmy-nominated actress said she chose not to issue a public statement when the controversy erupted in August, as she was confident in who she is.

“I’ve always believed that I’m not here to tell people what to think... I know who I am. I know what I value. I know that I’m a kind person,” Sweeney told GQ magazine. “I know that I love a lot, and I know that I’m just excited to see what happens next. And so I don’t really let other people define who I am,” she added.

Speaking about the campaign and the ensuing outrage, Sweeney said it was simply part of her job. “I did a jean ad. I mean, 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… I knew at the end of the day what that ad was for, and it was great jeans, it didn’t affect me one way or the other,” she said, adding that she put her phone away while filming Euphoria.

The controversy gained massive traction, even prompting comments from former US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, who criticised “liberals” for their response — a moment Sweeney described as “surreal.” Up next, Sweeney will appear in the third and final season of Euphoria and in the film adaptation of The Housemaid, alongside Amanda Seyfried and Brandon Sklenar.
(With PTI Inputs)