RM Sydney Sweeney pushes back on assumptions about American Eagle ad: “They just aren’t true”
Sydney Sweeney is clarifying her stance on the controversy surrounding her American Eagle denim commercial, after many viewers labeled the ad tone-deaf and insensitive.
In an interview with People published Dec. 5, the 28-year-old Emmy nominee explained that the criticism did not reflect her intentions, stressing that she has always tried to “lead with kindness.”
“I was genuinely caught off guard by the reaction,” she said. “I took part in the campaign simply because I love the jeans and the brand. I don’t agree with the interpretations some people assigned to it. A lot of motives and labels have been projected onto me that just aren’t accurate.”
Why the ad sparked backlash
The promotional spot, released in July, used a pun on the words “genes” and “jeans,” declaring that Sweeney “has great jeans.” In the commercial, she remarks, “Genes are passed down from parents to offspring, influencing traits like eye color, personality, and hair color.”
Critics argued the concept veered uncomfortably close to promoting eugenics, a discredited ideology focused on the idea that certain genetic traits are superior.
Sweeney says outrage ‘didn’t affect me’
Sweeney had previously addressed the controversy in a GQ interview published Nov. 4. At the time, she said she wasn’t emotionally shaken by the reaction.
“I did a jeans commercial. That’s it,” she said. “The backlash was surprising, sure, but I really do love jeans. I wear jeans and a T-shirt practically every day.”
She added that when she truly has something important to say, people will know. “I understood what the ad was meant to be—and it was about great jeans,” she explained.
Because she was busy filming Euphoria, she kept her distance from most of the online discourse. She also found it “surreal” to see both President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance weigh in on the ad.
Trump praises the commercial
On Aug. 3, Trump called the ad “fantastic,” after a reporter mentioned that Sweeney was reportedly registered as a Republican in Florida based on public records. USA TODAY could not confirm whether the individual listed—Sydney B. Sweeney—is the same as the actress, whose middle name is Bernice.
“‘Sydney Sweeney, a registered Republican, has the HOTTEST ad out there,’” Trump posted. “‘It’s for American Eagle, and the jeans are flying off the shelves. Go get ’em, Sydney!’”
Following his comments, American Eagle Outfitters’ stock rose 22%. On Sept. 4, the company credited Sweeney’s campaign for contributing significantly to its recent sales momentum.
“The fall season is starting strong,” CEO Jay Schottenstein said. “With better product offerings and successful marketing efforts—including campaigns with Sydney Sweeney and Travis Kelce—we’ve seen increased awareness, engagement, and comparable sales.”
