Sydney Sweeney Breaks Silence on American Eagle Ad Backlash

After starring in the much-discussed Great Jean campaign for American Eagle, Sydney Sweeney found herself at the centre of a heated public debate. The advert, which played on the words “jeans” and “genes”, drew sharp criticism for what many perceived as undertones of genetic superiority. Despite the uproar, Sweeney initially chose not to comment, a decision she has now come to reconsider.

Reflecting on Silence and Public Response

In a recent interview, Sweeney admitted that her approach to both positive and negative press had always been to remain silent. However, she now recognises that this tactic may have done more harm than good.

In the past my stance has been to never respond to negative or positive press but recently I have come to realise that my silence regarding this issue has only widened the divide, not closed it.

She went on to express hope for a more unifying year ahead, stating,

So I hope this new year brings more focus on what connects us instead of what divides us.

Controversy Surrounding the Great Jean Advert

The controversy began with the campaign’s tagline, “Sydney Sweeney has great jeans”, a phrase that many felt was a thinly veiled reference to genetics rather than denim. Critics accused the advert of promoting exclusionary beauty standards and even went so far as to label it as “nazi propaganda”, citing supposed messages of white supremacy and subtle racism. Although it was later clarified that the campaign was intended to celebrate denim, the damage to Sweeney’s public image had already been done.

The situation was further complicated by speculation about Sweeney’s political affiliations, with some alleging she supported the Republican party. This rumour mill eventually drew in high-profile political figures, including former President Donald Trump, intensifying the scrutiny on both the actress and the brand.

Impact on Sweeney’s Film Career

Amidst the fallout from the advert, Sweeney’s latest film, a biopic titled Christy, struggled at the box office. The film, which chronicles the life of renowned American boxer Christy Martin, had been highly anticipated, with Sweeney’s transformation for the role drawing particular attention. Yet, the timing of the advert controversy and the political speculation created a challenging environment for the film’s release.

While it would be unfair to place all the blame on Sweeney, it is clear that the negative press surrounding her did little to help the film’s prospects. Christy opened to lacklustre numbers, with global takings remaining modest. The project, directed by David Michod and featuring Ben Foster and Merritt Wever alongside Sweeney, has received mixed reviews, holding a 6/10 rating on IMDb and a 66% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Its worldwide box office currently stands at $1.9 million, a figure that falls short of expectations for such a high-profile release.

Public Perception and Ongoing Debate

The question remains whether Christy might have fared better without the shadow of controversy trailing its lead actress. The debate over the advert’s intent and Sweeney’s response continues to divide opinion, with some arguing that the backlash was disproportionate, while others maintain that public figures have a responsibility to address sensitive issues head-on.

For now, Christy is screening in select cinemas across the United States, as audiences and critics alike continue to weigh in on both the film and the wider conversation it has sparked.