'I hate and sow division...' Sydney Sweeney breaks silence on American Eagle jeans controversy

News Topical, Digital Desk : Sydney Sweeney has finally opened up about the American Eagle Jeans ad she appeared in in July 2025. The ad catapulted the Euphoria actor into the limelight in a way she hadn't expected. Her tagline, "Sydney Sweeney has great jeans," was mistaken by many for a play on "jeans" and was labeled racist.

Actress became a victim of hatred

This made the actress the target of hate. A different group of internet users even suggested that the jeans ad was aimed at men and noticed that it was inspired by Brooke Shields' controversial denim campaign from the 1980s.

Sydney was surprised by the reaction

Numerous claims and reports have been published since July. However, she recently shared an emotional reaction to the matter while speaking to People. Sydney Sweeney said, "I was really surprised by the reaction. She didn't expect the ad campaign to be so overblown and receive so much hate." The Anyone But You actor said, "I was really surprised by the reaction."

"I did this because I love the jeans and the brand. I don't support the ideas some people have chosen to associate with the campaign. Many people have given me motives and labels that aren't true," she said.

Sydney Sweeney Leads With Kindness

Sydney Sweeney told the publication that she "leads with kindness. Anyone who knows me knows I always try to bring people together. I'm against hate and dividing people. In the past, I've always been adamant about not responding to negative or positive press, but recently I've realized that my silence on this issue has only widened the divide, not bridged it. So I hope this new year will bring more focus to the things that unite us, rather than the things that divide us."

Sydney Sweeney said, "I only wear jeans." This isn't the first time Sydney has spoken about this topic. In a November 2025 interview with GQ, she said, "I did a jeans ad. I mean, the reaction was definitely a surprise, but I love jeans. I only wear jeans. I live in jeans and a T-shirt every day of my life."

American Eagle clarified its stance

In August 2025, American Eagle took to social media to clarify and respond to the error, writing, "Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans was always about the jeans. Her jeans, her story. We will continue to celebrate how everyone wears their AE jeans with confidence, in their own way. Great jeans look good on everyone."

Despite the controversy, the brand had no problem selling the denim pieces. In fact, the pieces worn by Sydney Sweeney in the campaign quickly became a trend, with people rushing to purchase them at retail stores.

Read More: 'I hate and sow division...' Sydney Sweeney breaks silence on American Eagle jeans controversy