Sydney Sweeney addresses backlash over American Eagle ad: 'I’m against hate'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Actress Sydney Sweeney has opened up about the backlash surrounding her American Eagle jeans campaign, stressing that she is “against hate.”
The Anyone But You star drew criticism earlier this year after wordplay in the campaign linking “jeans” to “genes” sparked public scrutiny. Versions of the ad circulated online with the altered wording, which fueled outrage, confusion, and a wave of commentary on social media. Months after the controversy first erupted, Sweeney shared why she remained silent and why she now regrets holding back.
Sydney Sweeney responds to American Eagle jeans ad controversy
During an interview with People, Sweeney explained that her instinct had always been to avoid reacting to negative or positive press, but she acknowledged that staying quiet may have done more harm than good. “Anyone who knows me knows that I’m always trying to bring people together,” she said. “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.”
Sweeney, who described herself as someone who wears jeans daily, said the backlash was 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,” the The Housemaid star said.
She also clarified that she never supported any political or ideological interpretations people attached to the ad. “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.
Sydney Sweeney faces backlash over misinterpreted ‘genes’ wordplay
The campaign, titled “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans,” became controversial when edited versions featuring the word “Genes” spread across social media. The altered ads prompted some viewers to accuse the brand of making statements the company never intended.
American Eagle addressed the confusion on Instagram on August 1, stating that the campaign's message had always been straightforward. “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans is and always was about the jeans,” the brand said. “Her jeans. Her story. We’ll continue to celebrate how everyone wears their AE jeans with confidence, their way. Great jeans look good on everyone.”
Despite the uproar, the campaign performed exceptionally well. The “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans” line sold out quickly and drew roughly 790,000 new customers, according to Marketing Brew. The push also contributed to a 25–30 percent rise in American Eagle’s after-hours stock, as reported by Forbes. American Eagle Outfitters said Sweeney’s campaign delivered “unprecedented new customer acquisition,” as reported by ABC News.
