Sydney Sweeney Addresses Controversial Ad Backlash, Claims No Control

Sydney Sweeney has responded to the criticism surrounding her recent American Eagle advertisement, labelling the backlash as “uncontrollable.” The 27-year-old actress, who gained widespread recognition for her role as Cassie Howard in the acclaimed series Euphoria, found herself at the centre of controversy following the release of the ad, which played on the phrases “good genes” and “good jeans.”

The campaign faced immediate backlash from critics who argued that the language echoed the rhetoric used by eugenicists, leading to accusations of promoting white supremacy. Sweeney, who has earned an Emmy Award for her portrayal in Euphoria, has been navigating this challenging period in her career, which began positively with the ad’s release.

In an interview with The Guardian, Sweeney aimed to shift focus away from the controversy while promoting her upcoming film, Christy. She stated, “I’m always just me. But it’s what other people put on me that’s uncontrollable.” This statement reflects her belief that public perception is largely shaped by external viewpoints, a sentiment she reiterated by addressing interviewer Rachel Areosti directly. Sweeney remarked, “Like you’re going to write this article… Then people will read it and have their own perception.”

Sweeney further commented on the unexpected reaction to the ad in an interview with GQ, saying, “I did a jean ad. The reaction definitely was a surprise, but I love jeans. All I wear are jeans.” Her response was met with criticism from fans who felt she was dismissing the seriousness of the backlash.

This incident is not the first time Sweeney has faced scrutiny regarding her political views. In 2022, she received backlash after photographs surfaced from her mother’s 60th birthday party, featuring guests in MAGA hats and Blue Lives Matter shirts. In response, she took to social media, stating, “You guys this is wild. An innocent celebration for my mom’s milestone has turned into an absurd political statement, which was not the intention.”

The controversy gained further attention when Donald Trump referred to the ad as “the hottest ad ever” amidst revelations that Sweeney is a registered Republican. Tensions escalated when reports emerged that her Euphoria co-star Zendaya was avoiding press engagements with her due to an alleged fallout stemming from the controversy.

Throughout the backlash, Sweeney claimed she had not actively followed reactions to the ad, attributing her lack of awareness to her busy filming schedule. “I was filming every day. I’m filming Euphoria, so I’m working 16-hour days and I don’t really bring my phone on set,” she explained. Despite multiple opportunities to clarify her stance on the issue, Sweeney did not apologise or directly address whether the ad endorsed ideas of genetic superiority.

Instead, she continued to promote her film Christy on social media, which many perceived as an attempt to distance herself from the controversy. Despite her efforts, she continues to face criticism from her 25.4 million followers, with many questioning her affiliations and stance on the issues raised by the advertisement.

In a vague acknowledgment of the situation during her interview with GQ, Sweeney stated, “I think that when I have an issue that I want to speak about, people will hear.” The ongoing backlash indicates that Sweeney will likely continue to navigate the complex landscape of public perception and personal responsibility in the coming weeks.