Why was the Sydney Sweeney American Eagle ad controversial?

The ad's tagline was misinterpreted by some as a racist comment, sparking backlash.

What was Sydney Sweeney's reaction to the ad controversy?

Sydney Sweeney expressed surprise at the backlash, stating she leads with kindness.

Did American Eagle respond to the controversy?

Yes, American Eagle clarified that the tagline was solely about the jeans.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Sweeney Responds to "Great Jeans" Controversy

Sweeney Responds to "Great Jeans" Controversy

6 Dec

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Summary

Sydney Sweeney expresses surprise at the backlash from an American Eagle jeans ad.
She states she leads with kindness and doesn't support hate or divisiveness.
The campaign's tagline was misinterpreted, causing unintended controversy.

Sydney Sweeney has spoken out about the significant backlash she faced following an American Eagle jeans advertisement released in July 2025. The tagline, 'Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans,' was widely misinterpreted as a racist remark, leading to unexpected criticism and online hate directed at the actor. Sweeney revealed her surprise at the strong reaction, clarifying that her intent was simply to endorse a brand and product she genuinely likes.

In a recent statement, Sweeney asserted that she 'leads with kindness' and consistently works to unite people, actively opposing hate and division. She reflected on her past tendency to remain silent on press matters but acknowledged that her silence on this issue may have exacerbated the divide. The actor expressed a hope for the new year to foster greater understanding and connection.

American Eagle itself issued a clarification in August 2025, stating the tagline was exclusively about the jeans and affirming their commitment to celebrating how individuals wear their products. Despite the controversy, sales of the featured denim pieces reportedly remained strong, with consumers eager to purchase them.