Sydney Sweeney’s response to the controversy surrounding her recent American Eagle jeans campaign has ignited further criticism.
The ad, which featured the 28-year-old actress wearing a pair of jeans with the tagline “Sydney Sweeney has great jeans,” initially sparked outrage due to its possible implications about genetics.
Critics quickly pointed out that in today’s politically charged climate, jokes about “good genes” could be interpreted as a nod to eugenics and white supremacy.
Sydney Sweeney’s response to the ad sparked more outrage. Credit: Steve Granitz / Getty
Sweeney’s Defiant Response: More Fuel to the Fire
In an attempt to address the growing storm, Sweeney remained silent about the ad’s implications during an interview with GQ.
When asked directly whether she had any thoughts on the criticism, she responded flatly: “I think that when I have an issue that I want to speak about, people will hear.”
This nonchalant reply only intensified the backlash, with many social media users questioning her indifference and implying that she might secretly agree with the controversial subtext.
One commenter even speculated: “Oh sh*t, she might actually be racist,” while another said: “It’s harmful to even call her stupid or slow. She’s 100% sure of what she’s doing. We’ll see if it pays off for her career in the end. Instead of her to be taking acting classes, she’s pandering to basement dwelling hitlerites. It is well.”
The White Lotus actress’ response to the situation contrasted sharply with past instances where she had been visibly distressed by criticism.
One user pointed out her previous emotional breakdown over online trolls calling her “ugly,” noting: “Sydney Sweeney trying to act cool and unbothered like she didn’t post that video a few years ago sobbing about people on Twitter calling her ugly.”
Box Office Struggles: Christy Falls Short
This is far from the first time Sweeney has faced controversy, especially in light of her recent work.
The actress has also been dealing with the disappointing box office performance of her sports biopic Christy, which tells the story of professional boxer Christy Martin.
According to Box Office Mojo, the film debuted with a lackluster $1.3 million opening, marking one of the worst openings for a movie of its size.
Despite the poor reception, Sweeney took to social media to express her pride in the project, writing: “I am so deeply proud of this movie…We all signed on to this film with the belief that Christy’s story could save lives.”
The film chronicles Martin’s rise in the male-dominated sport of boxing and her eventual escape from an abusive marriage.
Sweeney wrote that the boxer’s strength and resilience made it a life-changing project for her, one she hoped would inspire others in similar situations.
“If Christy gave even one woman the courage to take her first step toward safety, then we will have succeeded. So yes, I’m proud. why? Because we don’t always just make art for numbers, we make it for impact. And Christy has been the most impactful project of my life. Thank you, Christy. I love you,” she concluded.
