Sydney Sweeney was ‘honestly surprised’ by the backlash to her ‘great jeans’ ad, her explanation for the controversy only makes things worse

Sydney Sweeney has finally broken her silence regarding the controversial American Eagle “great jeans” ad, telling People magazine she was “honestly surprised by the reaction” the campaign received. It’s been months since the ad’s release on July 23, and the actress is now explaining why she chose to stay quiet for so long amid the intense online debate that followed.

Sweeney was quick to clarify her intentions, making it clear that she participated simply “because I love the jeans and love the brand.” She emphasized that the hateful views many people attached to the campaign are completely untrue regarding her personal beliefs. “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 told People.

If you weren’t following the drama closely, the controversy centered on the ad’s slogan: “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans.” Critics argued that the word “jeans” was a racially charged play on “genes,” suggesting genetic superiority. The debate quickly became political, with some online commentators calling the ad a “nazi dog whistle” and accusing it of promoting eugenics.

Sweeney’s explanation throws shade on the motive of the critics

American Eagle immediately jumped in to defend the campaign shortly after its launch. The brand stood its ground, insisting that the slogan “is and always was about the jeans. Her jeans. Her story.” American Eagle wanted to make sure everyone knew their stance, adding that they would “continue to celebrate how everyone wears their AE jeans with confidence, their way. Great jeans look good on everyone.”

Despite all the intense online chatter and political debate surrounding the campaign, the denim actually sold incredibly well. You’d think all that negative press would have crushed the launch, but the sales figures prove otherwise. American Eagle reported record-breaking numbers, noting a double-digit increase in both men’s and women’s denim. The Sydney Jacket, which Sweeney wore in the campaign, sold out in just one day, and the custom Sydney Jean style sold out within one week.

Sweeney admitted that her initial response was silence, which is her typical stance toward the press, positive or negative. However, she realized that the strategy was causing more harm than good in this particular situation, as support came in from the likes of President Trump. She said she came “to realize that my silence regarding this issue has only widened the divide, not closed it.” She wanted to clarify her position, emphasizing that she is someone who “leads with kindness” and is “against hate and divisiveness.”

She previously broke her silence briefly in an interview with GQ, but her discussion with People offers a much more emotional and intentional response. Sweeney hopes the new year brings “more focus on what connects us instead of what divides us.” She’s setting an intention to be really intentional with showing people who she is and what she wants, stating that “so many people can just get it wrong.”

If you’re looking to catch her next project, Sweeney is currently busy promoting her new film, The Housemaid, which hits theaters on December 19. She went through a rather infamous breakup earlier this year, but the bad spell is seemingly over. She shared a sweet story about bonding with her co-star Amanda Seyfried on set, noting that Seyfried crocheted her a bag that is now her favorite.