Sydney Sweeney Addresses Backlash Over American Eagle Campaign: “I’m Against Hate”

Jason Sargent Saturday, December 6, 2025

- - Sydney Sweeney Addresses Backlash Over American Eagle Campaign: “I’m Against Hate”

Miu von FurstenbergDecember 6, 2025 at 9:26 AM

Sydney Sweeney has officially broken her silence regarding the controversy surrounding her recent partnership with American Eagle, addressing accusations that the campaign carried racially insensitive undertones. In an emotional interview with People magazine, the Euphoria star pushed back against the criticism, asserting that her intentions were purely professional and that she does not align with the divisive interpretations circulating online.

The controversy stems from an ad campaign launched in July titled “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans.” The slogan, intended as a pun on the word “genes,” sparked a polarized debate across social media platforms. While the retailer maintained the tagline was a lighthearted play on denim, critics argued the messaging hinted at “genetic superiority” and white supremacist rhetoric, citing Sweeney’s blonde, blue-eyed features. Others contended the advertisement heavily catered to the male gaze.

Sydney Sweeney on ‘The Today Show’ to talk about new movie ‘The Housemaid’ in New York on December 3, 2025. Photo Credit: Roger Wong/INSTARimages

Sweeney, who initially chose not to engage with the discourse, revealed that the intensity of the reaction caught her off guard. “I was honestly surprised by the reaction,” she told People. “I did it because I love the jeans and love the brand. I don’t support the views some people chose to connect to the campaign. Many have assigned motives and labels to me that just aren’t true.”

For months, the actress adhered to a personal policy of non-engagement, hoping the conversation would fade. However, she noted that staying quiet ultimately felt counterproductive. “Anyone who knows me knows that I’m always trying to bring people together. I’m against hate and divisiveness,” Sweeney stated. She explained her shift in strategy, adding, “In the past my stance has been to never respond to negative or positive press but recently I have come to realize that my silence regarding this issue has only widened the divide, not closed it.”

Amanda Seyfried and Sydney Sweeney at the New York Premiere of Lionsgate’s ‘The Housemaid’ on December 2, 2025. Photo Credit: Marion Curtis/StarPix for Lionsgate/INSTARimages

American Eagle has stood firmly behind its ambassador and the creative direction of the project. Following the initial wave of criticism in August, the brand released a statement on Instagram clarifying their position. “‘Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans’ is and always was about the jeans. Her jeans. Her story,” the company wrote. “We’ll continue to celebrate how everyone wears their AE jeans with confidence, their way. Great jeans look good on everyone.”

This recent interview marks a significant departure from Sweeney’s earlier comments. In a November profile with GQ, she offered a more reserved reaction when asked about the “jeans” versus “genes” debate. At the time, she simply stated, “I did a jean ad. I mean, the reaction definitely was a surprise, but I love jeans. All I wear are jeans.” Her previous brevity led some cultural commentators to speculate about her political leanings, a narrative she now hopes to correct by speaking out more directly.

Sydney Sweeney arrives at the Good Morning America studios in New York City to talk about her new film ‘Christy’ on November 5, 2025. Photo Credit: Roger Wong/INSTARimages

Sweeney expressed a desire to move forward from the incident with a focus on unity. “So I hope this new year brings more focus on what connects us instead of what divides us,” she concluded in her discussion with People. As the actress continues to promote her upcoming film The Housemaid, she appears determined to clarify her public image and distance herself from the narratives imposed upon her by the viral moment.

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