Sydney Sweeney Addresses Backlash Over American Eagle Campaign

Sydney Sweeney Addresses Backlash Over American Eagle Campaign

Sydney Sweeney – American Eagle – Sydney Sweeney is speaking out on her work with American Eagle. The Christy actress, 28, broke her silence on the denim brand’s controversial campaign titled, “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans,” for the first time in an interview with GQ for its “Men of the Year” cover story published on Nov. 4.

Sweeney’s comments come approximately four months after American Eagle released the fall campaign on July 23, sparking backlash from the public for its messaging and tone.

A debate, too, ensued, prompting critics to claim that the usage of the word “jeans” as a play on “genes” is racially charged and hints at genetic superiority. Others slammed it for catering to the male gaze and taking inspiration from Brooke Shields’ controversial 1980 denim campaign.

When asked by GQ if she was surprised by the reaction of the American Eagle ad, Sweeney answered directly.

“I did a jean ad. I mean, the reaction definitely was a surprise, but I love jeans. All I wear are jeans. I’m literally in jeans and a T-shirt every day of my life,” the actress responded.

Then, the Euphoria star was asked what it was like to have the president and vice president speak about the jeans ad.

“It was surreal,” she replied in reference to Donald Trump‘s praise of the ad.

In August, President Trump voiced his support for Sweeney’s American Eagle ad when speaking on camera with reporters in Pennsylvania and was informed that she had been a registered Republican in Florida for the past year.

“She’s a registered Republican?” the president, 79, said in reply. “Oh, now I love her ad.”

“Is that right? Is Sydney Sweeney…” Trump added. “You’d be surprised how many people are Republicans. That’s one I wouldn’t have known, but I’m glad you told me that.”

Despite her documented party preference, Sweeney has never commented publicly about her political affiliation, nor endorsed or openly supported Trump.

In the ad, the White Lotus actress and AE use “jeans” as a play on “genes.”

For example, Sweeney says in the ad, “Genes are passed down from parents to offspring, often determining traits like hair color, personality and even eye color.” The camera then pans to her face, and she says, “My jeans are blue.”

Critics have accused the campaign of promoting eugenics — “use of selective breeding to improve the human race,” according to the National Institute of Health.

In addition, the campaign faced backlash for its sexualization and catering to the male gaze, as well as its parallels to the long-criticized Calvin Klein ad in the 1980s that featured Brooke Shields, which features similar messaging about passing down characteristics from generation to generation.

In that ad, a 15-year-old Shields says, “You want to know what comes between me and my Calvins? Nothing.”

However, shortly after the ad dropped and critics voiced their concerns, American Eagle took to social media to stand its ground on the ad. In an Aug. 1 Instagram, the brand wrote, “‘Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans'” is and always was about the jeans. Her jeans. Her story. We’ll continue to celebrate how everyone wears their AE jeans with confidence, their way. Great jeans look good on everyone.”

via