Sydney Sweeney opens up about the American Eagle “Great Jeans” backlash, calling the reaction “surreal” while sharing her honest side in a new GQ interview. Sydney Sweeney has finally spoken out about her American Eagle jeans ad campaign that sparked national controversy earlier this year. The Euphoria star opened up during a new GQ interview, where she described the intense public reaction as “surreal.”
What Happened with Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle Ad?
Back in July, American Eagle launched a campaign titled “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans.” It was a playful twist on the phrase “good genes.” However, the ad sparked backlash online, with critics accusing it of promoting a message tied to genetic superiority — especially since it featured a blonde, blue-eyed actress.
The debate quickly blew up across social media platforms, with users debating whether the ad was simply clever wordplay or something more problematic.
Sydney Sweeney’s Calm Response to the Backlash
In her interview, Sweeney explained that the outrage caught her off guard.
“I did a jean ad,” she said. “The reaction definitely was a surprise, but I love jeans. All I wear are jeans. I’m literally in jeans and a T-shirt every day.”
She added that she avoids responding to controversies directly:
“I’ll vent to my girlfriends, but other than that, no. I know who I am and what I value. I’m a kind person. I don’t let other people define who I am.”
Political Reactions Added More Fuel
The controversy didn’t stay in Hollywood — it reached the political world. Figures like Donald Trump, Megyn Kelly, and JD Vance publicly supported Sweeney, mocking critics for overreacting to a denim ad. Trump even joked, “If Sydney Sweeney is a Republican, I love her ad!”
Sweeney later said it felt “surreal” to have politicians discussing her jeans commercial but admitted she stayed focused on filming Euphoria during the uproar.
“I kind of just put my phone away. I was filming every day. I didn’t really see a lot of it,” she told GQ.
American Eagle’s Official Statement
Despite the backlash, American Eagle stood by the campaign. The brand released a statement saying:
“‘Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans’ is and always was about the jeans. Her jeans, her story. Great jeans look good on everyone.”
Interestingly, reports later suggested that American Eagle’s sales actually increased following the controversy — showing that publicity, even controversial, can still boost brand visibility.
Sydney Sweeney’s Takeaway
Even with the drama surrounding her name, Sydney Sweeney stays focused on her career. She’s now promoting Christy, her upcoming biopic about boxer Christy Martin. When asked if the controversy might affect her film, Sweeney said she wouldn’t let public opinion hold her back:
“If someone refuses to watch because of something they read online, I hope they’ll eventually be open to art and learning. I’m not affected by that.”
