Sydney Sweeney is addressing the highly publicized American Eagle denim ad in an emotional interview with PEOPLE, addressing the backlash that ensued after the July 23 release of the campaign titled "Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans." The use of "jeans" as a play on "genes" was criticized for its potentially racially charged connotations and hints at genetic superiority. Others took issue with the campaign catering to the male gaze and drawing inspiration from Brooke Shields' controversial 1980 denim campaign.
"I was honestly surprised by the reaction," Sweeney tells PEOPLE. "I did it because I love the jeans and the brand. I don't support the views some people chose to connect to the campaign. Many have assigned motives and labels to me that just aren't true."
American Eagle swiftly responded to the online chatter, posting on Instagram on August 1, "‘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."
Sweeney, who leads with kindness, is addressing the campaign backlash to clarify her stance and dispel negativity. "Anyone who knows me knows that I’m always trying to bring people together. I’m against hate and divisiveness," she says. "In the past, my stance has been to never respond to negative or positive press, but recently I have come to realize that my silence regarding this issue has only widened the divide, not closed it. So I hope this new year brings more focus on what connects us instead of what divides us."
The actress first broke her silence on the campaign in an interview with GQ for its "Men of the Year" cover story published on November 4. When asked if she was surprised by the reaction to the American Eagle ad, Sweeney responded, "I did a jean ad. The reaction was definitely 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."
Despite the debate surrounding the campaign, American Eagle reported record-breaking numbers with a double-digit increase in men's and women's denim sales after its launch on July 23. The Sydney Jacket worn by Sweeney in the campaign sold out in one day, while her custom Dreamy Drape style, with 100% of proceeds benefiting the Crisis Text Line, sold out in one week.
Currently, Sweeney is busy promoting her upcoming film The Housemaid, directed by Paul Feig and adapted from Freida McFadden's 2022 bestselling novel. She shares that some of her favorite set memories involve bonding with co-star Amanda Seyfried, including a special moment when Seyfried crocheted her a bag that has become her favorite bag ever.
"We both are similar in we always are giving positive energy to everyone, cast and crew," Sweeney says. "But most of all just having fun." She hopes audiences watching the film in theaters will "leave completely shocked," adding, "I want them to come back with their friends for more."
When asked about a typical day off, Sweeney says it usually involves some sort of adventure outside, whether jumping out of a plane, water skiing, or rock climbing. There's also some arts and crafts activity with her best friend Kelley on half-finished projects they need to finish. She tries to fit in a solid core class and ends it with cuddles with her dog.
Sweeney is looking forward to a fun holiday tradition where her entire family gets matching onesies and stacks on top of each other like a pyramid and takes a picture together. She concludes by saying that love, family, and friends are what make her happiest and that she is most grateful for her grandparents still being with her. For the new year, she resolves to be intentional about showing who she is and what she wants, as so many people can get it wrong.
