Sydney Sweeney speaks out against backlash from controversial American Eagle campaign: 'I stand against hate'

Sydney Sweeney has addressed the criticism surrounding her 2025 American Eagle campaign, emphasizing that she is "against hate." The Euphoria star stated, "I don't support the views some people chose to connect to the campaign."

After months of avoiding public commentary on the backlash, Sweeney finally shared her perspective. The actress, who starred in ads under the slogan "Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans," faced accusations that the campaign implied racial superiority due to its wording.

"I was honestly surprised by the reaction," Sweeney told PEOPLE. "I did it because I love the jeans and the brand. Many have assigned motives and labels to me that just aren't true."

Previously registered as a Republican as of June 2024, Sweeney highlighted that she prioritizes kindness in her personal life and wants to distance herself from divisiveness. "Anyone who knows me knows that I'm always trying to bring people together," she explained. "I'm against hate and divisiveness."

She added, "In the past my stance has been to never respond to negative or positive press, but recently I have realized 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."

Earlier attempts to comment on the campaign were limited. In November, Sweeney told GQ, "I did a jean ad. The reaction definitely was a surprise, but I love jeans. All I wear are jeans and a T-shirt every day." She refrained from further explanation or apology at that time.

At the Toronto International Film Festival in September, Sweeney similarly declined to discuss the campaign, stating to Vanity Fair, "I am there to support my movie and the people involved in making it. I'm not there to talk about jeans."

American Eagle defended the campaign when it launched, clarifying that it was focused solely on the product. "'Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans' is and always was about the jeans. Her jeans, her story," the brand stated. "We'll continue to celebrate how everyone wears their AE jeans with confidence, their way."

The campaign also attracted praise from some conservative figures, including Vice President JD Vance, White House communications director Steven Cheung, Megyn Kelly, and former President Donald Trump.

Since Sweeneys initial statements, her boxing biopic Christy struggled at the box office, earning $1.3 million in its opening weekend across over 2,100 screens, followed by a 91.7% drop the next weekend. She is set to star opposite Amanda Seyfried in The Housemaid, opening December 19, and will return as Cassie in Euphoria season 3, premiering April 2026 on HBO.

Author: Benjamin Carter