Sydney Sweeney Addresses AE Ad Backlash in Interview

Sydney Sweeney, the actress known for her roles in Euphoria and recent films, has addressed months of backlash surrounding her summer advertising campaign for American Eagle Outfitters. In an interview with People magazine published this week, Sweeney expressed surprise at the criticism and clarified her intentions behind the promotion, emphasizing her opposition to hate and divisiveness.

The campaign, titled "Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans," launched in late July and featured Sweeney in a commercial highlighting the retailer's denim line. The tagline played on the words "jeans" and "genes," which some viewers interpreted as a subtle reference to genetic superiority, sparking accusations of promoting eugenics or racial bias. The ad drew sharp reactions online, with critics on one side labeling it insensitive and defenders on the other praising its lighthearted appeal. Former President Donald Trump publicly endorsed the spot in August, calling it fantastic if Sweeney aligned with certain political views.

Sweeney, who has largely avoided commenting on the matter since its debut, told People she participated because of her genuine affection for the jeans and the brand. "I was...