Amanda Seyfried offers rare take on ‘The Housemaid’ co-star Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle debate
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Amanda Seyfried has spoken publicly for the first time about the controversy that surrounded her 'The Housemaid' co-star Sydney Sweeney during the pair’s global press tour for the film.
Seyfried reflected on watching her navigate the backlash tied to her American Eagle campaign while continuing to promote their successful 2025 thriller. She also described supporting her co-star during a difficult period and shared her perspective on how Sweeney handled the situation.
Amanda Seyfried reflects on supporting Sydney Sweeney during backlash
Seyfried addressed the controversy in a profile published by British GQ on Monday, June 15, revealing that she witnessed the situation unfold while traveling with Sweeney for 'The Housemaid' press tour. Although she had not publicly commented on the issue before, she spoke about her experience working alongside her during that period.
“We had a great time on the press tour... We worked really hard and she seemed to be having fun, but I also understood that probably it can't be easy, where she found herself,” she said, adding that Sweeney defended herself but believed her co-star “found herself between a rock and a hard place.”
The controversy stemmed from the 'Euphoria' star's American Eagle campaign titled “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans.” Critics focused on the campaign’s play on the words “jeans” and “genes.”
One advertisement featured the word “genes” being crossed out and replaced with “jeans,” which some viewers interpreted as invoking ideas of genetic superiority and racial stereotypes. As criticism intensified online, Sweeney largely avoided addressing the issue publicly for several months.
When she eventually commented on the reaction in a November interview with GQ, Sweeney described the backlash as unexpected. “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,” Sweeney said.
Asked about President Donald Trump describing the campaign as “fantastic,” she responded, “It was surreal.”
Amanda Seyfried describes being a ‘safe space’ for Sydney Sweeney
During her conversation with the outlet, Seyfried explained that she chose not to push discussions about the controversy unless Sweeney wanted to talk about it. Instead, she focused on offering support while they continued promoting the film.
“I’m just there,” Seyfried said, adding, “I don't talk to her about it unless she wants to talk about it. I don't want to be a source of anything but whatever you need. You need some fun, you need to laugh, you need cake with me? That’s fine… at the same time, I'm like, ‘We've got to promote this movie and I can be a safe space.’”
She also praised her for remaining thoughtful toward others despite dealing with public scrutiny. She recalled that Sweeney brought her cupcakes from Magnolia Bakery and gifted her a bracelet on her birthday during that period.
While Sweeney is expected to return for a sequel to their 2025 hit film 'The Housemaid', Seyfried’s involvement has not yet been confirmed. The sequel’s cast continues to expand, with Kirsten Dunst joining the project earlier this year.
