Sydney Sweeney Addresses American Eagle Jeans Controversy
Sydney Sweeney has recently addressed the controversy surrounding her American Eagle jeans advertisement, which sparked significant backlash earlier this summer. The reaction to the ad drew commentary from a varied group, including celebrities and even former President Donald Trump.
Sweeney’s Perspective on the Controversy
In an interview with GQ, Sweeney expressed surprise over the reaction, stating, “I did a jean ad. I mean, the reaction definitely was a surprise, but I love jeans.” She emphasized that jeans are a staple in her daily wardrobe—basically, she wears them every day.
Despite the media frenzy, Sweeney took a measured approach. She was busy filming “Euphoria” and limited her interaction with social media. “I kind of just put my phone away,” she noted. The star was aware of the controversy but remained focused on her work and personal values, indicating that she prefers not to dictate how others should think.
The Impact of the Advertisement
Interestingly, the controversy appears to have positively impacted American Eagle’s business. The company reported a 25% jump in stock price in the second quarter, attributed to successful marketing campaigns featuring Sweeney and NFL star Travis Kelce. CEO Jay Schottenstein highlighted that their advertising had generated around 40 billion impressions, substantially improving the brand’s performance.
Sweeney revealed that she was aware of the positive sales impact during the campaign. “I was aware of the numbers as it was going,” she mentioned. This insight contradicted rumors of declining in-store visits that circulated online.
Cultural Reactions
The ad, which debuted in late July, set off a culture war debate. A notable moment was Sweeney’s line, “Genes are passed down from parents to offspring, often determining traits like hair color, personality, and even eye color. My jeans are blue.” Critics misconstrued this as promoting eugenics, raising alarms regarding its implications. A user on TikTok referred to it as a “racialized dog whistle,” while others dismissed the outrage as overblown.
The Bigger Picture
The criticism of Sweeney reflects broader societal dialogues about race and representation. While some users supported her, others critiqued what they viewed as excessive offense taken by an overly online generation.
Beyond American Eagle, Sweeney boasts an impressive list of brand partnerships, including deals with Dr. Squatch, Armani Beauty, and a potential lingerie line backed by Jeff Bezos. Despite the challenges posed by the advertising controversy, Sweeney continues to maintain a successful trajectory in her career.
