Sydney Sweeney Breaks Silence on American Eagle Ad Backlash
After starring in American Eagle’s Great Jean campaign, Sydney Sweeney faced intense criticism over the ad’s controversial undertones. For the first time, she opens up about her decision to stay silent and how it may have impacted her recent box office results.
Sydney Sweeney found herself at the center of a heated debate after appearing in American Eagle’s Great Jean campaign. The ad, which played on the words “jeans” and “genes,” quickly drew criticism for what many saw as underlying messages about genetic superiority. As the controversy grew, Sweeney chose not to address the backlash—until now.
Public Reaction and Sweeney’s Response
The campaign’s tagline, “Sydney Sweeney has great jeans,” sparked a wave of negative attention. Critics accused the ad of promoting unrealistic beauty standards and even alleged it carried undertones of white supremacy. Some went so far as to label it “nazi propaganda,” interpreting the wordplay as a nod to genetic privilege. Despite these accusations, Sweeney initially remained silent, sticking to her usual approach of not responding to public criticism or praise.
Recently, Sweeney reflected on her decision to stay quiet. In an interview, she admitted that her silence may have done more harm than good.
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.
She added,
So I hope this new year brings more focus on what connects us instead of what divides us.
Political Fallout and Broader Implications
The controversy didn’t stop at the ad itself. Sweeney’s political affiliations came under scrutiny, with rumors circulating about her being a Republican. The situation escalated to the point where even former President Donald Trump became involved in the public conversation. The combination of the ad’s reception and the political speculation created a challenging environment for Sweeney, both personally and professionally.
Many questioned whether the backlash was justified or if the ad’s message had been misinterpreted. While American Eagle later clarified that the campaign was simply about denim, the damage to Sweeney’s public image had already been done.
Impact on Sweeney’s Film Career
As the controversy unfolded, Sweeney was preparing for the release of “Christy,” a biopic about legendary boxer Christy Martin. The film, which generated significant buzz ahead of its premiere, saw Sweeney take on a physically demanding lead role. However, the negative attention from the American Eagle campaign and the political rumors cast a shadow over the movie’s debut.
“Christy” struggled at the box office, opening to disappointing numbers and failing to gain traction with audiences. While it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly how much the controversy affected the film’s performance, many believe the public’s reaction to Sweeney’s silence played a role. The movie, directed by David Michod and co-starring Ben Foster and Merritt Wever, earned just $1.9 million worldwide and received mixed reviews, with a 6/10 IMDb rating and a 66% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Looking Ahead
Sweeney’s experience with the American Eagle campaign and the fallout from her silence has prompted her to reconsider how she handles public controversies. As she moves forward, she hopes to focus on what brings people together rather than what sets them apart. “Christy” is currently showing in select theaters across the United States.