Sydney Sweeney Responds to Backlash Over American Eagle Ad: “Many Have Assigned Motives and Labels To Me That Just Aren’t True”

Sydney Sweeney is speaking out about the backlash to her American Eagle denim campaign in a recent interview with PEOPLE. The ad, titled “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans,” was released on July 23 and sparked debate online.

Some critics argued the campaign’s use of the word “jeans” as a play on “genes” could be seen as racially insensitive, while others said it seemed aimed at the male gaze and drew comparisons to Brooke Shields’ 1980 denim campaign.

Sweeney said the reaction caught her by surprise. “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,” she said.

She added that she wants to clarify her intentions and promote kindness. “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.”

American Eagle also addressed the controversy on social media. On August 1, the brand wrote that the campaign was always about the jeans and Sweeney’s story, emphasizing confidence and personal style. “Great jeans look good on everyone,” the post said.

Sweeney first spoke about the campaign in a GQ interview for its Men of the Year issue in November. When asked about the reaction, she said, “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.”

Despite the controversy, the campaign proved commercially successful. American Eagle reported record sales for both men’s and women’s denim after the launch. The Sydney Jacket worn by Sweeney sold out in one day, and the Sydney Jean, a custom style with all proceeds going to the Crisis Text Line, sold out within a week.

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