Sydney Sweeney has responded to the backlash over her American Eagle jeans campaign, stating she is against hate and divisiveness. The actress explained her initial silence on the matter and expressed hope for more unity in the coming year. She also discussed her upcoming film, The Housemaid, set for release later this month.
Campaign Backlash
Sydney Sweeney's fall denim campaign for American Eagle, titled 'Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans,' launched in July and featured a pun on 'jeans' and 'genes.' The ad drew criticism for being racially insensitive, echoing Brooke Shields' 1980 Calvin Klein ad, and catering to the male gaze. Sweeney told PEOPLE she was surprised by the reaction, saying, 'I did it because I love the jeans and love the brand. I don’t support the views some people connected to the campaign. Many have assigned motives and labels to me that aren’t true.'
American Eagle defended the campaign as a celebration of the jeans. Despite the controversy, items like the Sydney Jacket and Dreamy Drape jeans sold out quickly, with proceeds benefiting the Crisis Text Line. Sweeney addressed her silence on the backlash, noting, 'I realized my silence only widened the divide, not closed it.' She added, 'I’m against hate and divisiveness. I hope next year brings more focus on what connects us instead of what divides us.'
Promoting The Housemaid
Shifting focus to her career, Sweeney is promoting The Housemaid, directed by Paul Feig and set to premiere in theaters on December 19. She shared positive experiences from the set, including bonding with co-star Amanda Seyfried, who made her a handmade bag. 'We supported each other, giving 100% and having fun,' Sweeney said.
Sweeney also touched on her personal life, mentioning outdoor adventures, arts and crafts, and family holiday traditions like matching onesie photos. On work-life balance, she admitted, 'I haven’t figured it out yet. I’m a work in progress,' emphasizing happiness in love, family, and friends.