Months after Sydney Sweeney’s appearance in an American Eagle advertisement showcasing jeans, the actress has addressed the resulting controversy. In an interview with GQ, known for her roles in Euphoria and White Lotus, Sweeney defended the ad while indicating she did not pay much attention to the subsequent online discussions.
“I participated in a jeans ad. The unexpected reaction surprised me, but I genuinely adore jeans. They are my everyday go-to attire alongside a T-shirt,” Sweeney shared with the magazine.
The advertisement featured Sweeney cleverly playing with the words ‘jeans’ and ‘genes,’ with some interpreting it as having eugenicist implications. Eugenics is a discredited notion suggesting that human qualities can be enhanced through selective breeding.
“Genes are hereditary, passing from parents to offspring, influencing characteristics such as hair color, personality, and even eye color. My jeans happen to be blue,” Sweeney remarked in the ad.
American Eagle responded to the backlash, clarifying that the advertisement solely focused on jeans and not genetics, emphasizing the brand’s celebration of individuality and confidence in wearing their jeans.
Despite the widespread media coverage and online debates, Sweeney remained mostly silent. Notably, even after receiving praise from U.S. President Donald Trump and acknowledgment from Vice-President JD Vance, she chose not to engage further.
Reflecting on the situation, Sweeney described the surreal experience of presidential and vice-presidential recognition. She acknowledged being mindful of the positive impact on American Eagle’s stock following the ad’s release, leading to increased sales and attracting new customers.
While acknowledging these developments, Sweeney admitted to missing a significant portion of the social media backlash due to her demanding filming schedule for Euphoria.
Looking ahead, Sweeney has upcoming film projects, including the biographical film Christy, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival earlier this year. Despite concerns about the controversy affecting viewership, especially regarding the film’s themes of domestic violence, Sweeney expressed optimism, hoping to enlighten audiences beyond online perceptions.
(Image: Sweeney and boxer Christy Martin at the TIFF premiere of Christy in Toronto on Sept. 5. – Evan Mitsui/CBC)