Actress Sydney Sweeney has spoken out for the first time about the significant backlash that erupted over her Sydney Sweeney Jeans Ad, stating the controversy did not deeply affect her and that she remains confident in her identity. The Sydney Sweeney Jeans Ad campaign, which played on the words “jeans” and “genes,” sparked accusations of racism and promoting eugenics, drawing in unexpected political commentary and a significant celebrity ad backlash.
The “Great Jeans” Sydney Sweeney Jeans Ad Controversy Unpacked
In July 2025, American Eagle launched its fall denim campaign, featuring star of “Euphoria” and “The White Lotus,” Sydney Sweeney. The Sydney Sweeney Jeans Ad campaign, under the tagline “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans,” included videos where Sweeney discussed genetics. In one prominent clip, she stated, “Genes are passed down from parents to offspring, often determining traits like hair color, personality and even eye color. My jeans are blue,” before the Sydney Sweeney Jeans Ad concluded with the line, “Sydney Sweeney has great jeans.”
This wordplay quickly ignited a firestorm on social media. Critics argued that the Sydney Sweeney Jeans Ad campaign, featuring a blonde, blue-eyed white woman discussing “good genes,” echoed eugenics—a discredited theory advocating for human improvement through selective breeding—and potentially promoted white supremacist ideologies. Some commentators labeled the Sydney Sweeney Jeans Ad “racist” and “tone-deaf,” especially given the prevailing political discourse surrounding diversity and inclusion initiatives in the American landscape. The jeans ad controversy has become a major topic.
Comparisons were also drawn to Brooke Shields’ controversial 1980 Calvin Klein ad, which also played on themes of inherited traits.
Sweeney’s Calm Demeanor Amidst the Sydney Sweeney Jeans Ad Outrage
Speaking to GQ magazine for a “Men of the Year” feature, Sweeney acknowledged the surprise surrounding the public’s reaction to the Sydney Sweeney Jeans Ad. “I did a jean ad,” she stated matter-of-factly. “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.” Her role in the Sydney Sweeney American Eagle campaign was widely discussed.
Sweeney emphasized her self-assuredness, noting that she knew the Sydney Sweeney Jeans Ad’s true intent was about denim. “Because I knew at the end of the day what that ad was for, and it was great jeans, it didn’t affect me one way or the other,” she explained. She further elaborated on her personal philosophy, stating, “I’ve always believed that I’m not here to tell people what to think… I know who I am. I know what I value. I know that I’m a kind person… And so I don’t really let other people define who I am.” The Sydney Sweeney GQ interview offered insight into her perspective.
During the height of the controversy surrounding the Sydney Sweeney Jeans Ad in August 2025, Sweeney was deeply immersed in filming the third season of “Euphoria.” She shared that she largely disconnected from the online discourse by putting her phone away, working long hours, and prioritizing rest. “I kind of just put my phone away… I work and then I go home and I go to sleep. So I didn’t really see a lot of it,” she told GQ.
When asked about potential regret regarding the Sydney Sweeney Jeans Ad, Sweeney stood firm, stating, “The ad spoke for itself.” She added, “When I have something important to say, people will hear.”
American Eagle’s Defense and Broader Implications of the Sydney Sweeney Jeans Ad
American Eagle Outfitters responded to the criticism by reinforcing that the Sydney Sweeney Jeans Ad campaign’s focus was exclusively on their denim products. “‘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,” the company stated on Instagram. They had previously indicated to trade media that the American Eagle jeans campaign included “clever, even provocative language” intended to “push buttons.”
The controversy surrounding the Sydney Sweeney Jeans Ad became particularly notable due to interventions from political figures. Former U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance weighed in, with Trump calling the Sydney Sweeney Jeans Ad “fantastic” and criticizing the “woke” backlash, while Vance also defended the campaign. Sweeney described this level of political attention as “surreal.” This situation highlighted the broader political firestorm that can erupt from pop culture advertising.
The incident sparked wider conversations about the intersection of pop culture, advertising, and political polarization. While some viewed the backlash as an example of “cancel culture run amok”, others pointed to the Sydney Sweeney Jeans Ad as a reflection of a more conservative cultural moment. Despite the outcry, American Eagle reported a significant increase in its stock value during the campaign’s visibility, with Sweeney noting that reports of declining sales were untrue. The eugenics accusations, though widespread, did not impact sales negatively.
The “Great Jeans” Sydney Sweeney Jeans Ad campaign ultimately highlighted how even a seemingly simple fashion advertisement can become a focal point for complex societal debates in the current entertainment news cycle, prompting discussions on brand messaging, identity, and the ever-evolving landscape of public perception.
