Sydney Sweeney Talks American Eagle Backlash, Says She’s ‘Against Hate and Divisiveness’

Sydney Sweeney no longer keeping her lips pursed like a pair of skinny jeans—she's fully responded to the viral American Eagle ad controversy.

The blonde-haired, blue-eyed actress opened up about AE's highly publicized advertising drama that unfolded over the summer, revealing People she was “surprised by the reaction”. She also noted that she does not support the idea that people joined the campaign, saying… “Many have attributed motives and labels to me that are not true.”

As you know, people thought that Slogan “Sydney Sweeney has great jeans” presented in the campaign had underlying support for genetic superiority. Some people also compared him to a 15-year-old. Brooke Shields' controversial denim campaign in 1980 and accused her of being designed for the male gaze.

AE immediately pushed away the hatredsaying in a statement that Sydney's advertising “has always been about jeans” and its history. The company continued: “We will continue to celebrate how everyone wears AE jeans with confidence, in their own way. Great jeans look good on everyone.”

Sydney told People magazine that while she doesn't usually react to negativity, this seemed like a special case that needed to be addressed to put an end to the hate. She explained… “Anyone who knows me knows that I'm always trying to bring people together. I am against hatred and division.”

She added: “So I hope this new year will focus more on what unites us rather than what divides us.”

Star of the series “Housekeeper” first time talking about drama during an interview with GQ magazine for its Man of the Year cover story published in early November, but took a much more casual approach. Then she noted: “I starred in a jeans commercial. I mean, the reaction was definitely a surprise, but I love jeans. All I wear is jeans. I literally wear jeans and a T-shirt every day of my life.”

Despite the backlash, the campaign worked in AE's favor as chatter raised company shares and even increased traffic to brick-and-mortar stores by 5%. They also reported that her custom Sydney Jeans sold out within a day.