In a recent chat with People magazine, actress Sydney Sweeney addressed the public backlash against her American Eagle jeans advertisement, which was released on July 23, 2025. Speaking about the issue, The White Lotus star stated:

“Anyone who knows me knows that I’m always trying to bring people together. I’m against hate and divisiveness. 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. So I hope this new year brings more focus on what connects us instead of what divides us.”

The controversy erupted with American Eagle’s campaign titled “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans.” Critics argued that the slogan was a racially charged pun on “great genes,” suggesting a reference to genetic superiority or eugenics, which Sydney Sweeney was eventually compelled to deny.

Sydney Sweeney finally responds to her American Eagle’s “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans” campaign backlash

The controversy surrounding Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle campaign stemmed from its central tagline, which was a clear pun on the word “genes.” Critics immediately took issue with the wordplay, arguing that pairing the phrase “great genes” with Sweene, a conventionally attractive, blonde, blue-eyed white woman, carried highly problematic racial undertones.

This was interpreted by many as a subtle, or even blatant, promotion of eugenics or white supremacy narratives and even Nazi Propaganda by celebrating a Eurocentric standard of beauty as genetically superior. The actress shared her views in her recent interview with People, which was published on December 5, 2025. The Housemaid actress stated:

“I was honestly surprised by the reaction. 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.”

Sydney Sweeney first addressed this controversy during an interview for GQ’s “Men of the Year” feature, which was published on November 4th. When directly questioned by the magazine about whether the public’s reaction to the ad surprised her, the Anyone But You star kept her initial response focused solely on the product. She stated:

“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.”

Amid ongoing conversations about her public image, Sweeney continues to showcase her versatility through a rapidly expanding filmography. She recently transformed into the legendary female boxer Christy Martin for the biopic Christy, earning praise for her physical commitment to the demanding role.

She will also be starring in Paul Feig’s psychological thriller film The Housemaid, releasing on December 19. Furthermore, she is also set to appear in an undisclosed role in David Frankel’s comedy-drama sequel, The Devil Wears Prada 2, which is set for a May 2026 release.