Sydney Sweeney Addresses Controversy Over American Eagle Campaign
Sydney Sweeney is choosing to stay silent about the criticism surrounding her role in American Eagle’s recent “Great Jeans” campaign. The 27-year-old actress, known for her part in the series “Euphoria,” is set to make her first public appearance at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 5 for the premiere of her new film, “Christy,” a biographical sports drama.
In a conversation with Vanity Fair, Sweeney made it clear that her focus will be on the film, not the backlash from the ad. She stated, “I am there to support my movie and the people involved in making it, and I’m not there to talk about jeans.”
The campaign, which cleverly plays on the words “jeans” and “genes,” faced significant backlash, with critics accusing it of promoting eugenics. In the promotional video, Sweeney highlights the message, only to later cross out “Genes” for “Jeans.” Some observers found the ad tone-deaf, while others, including former President Trump, praised it as a bold move against “woke” advertising.
American Eagle quickly removed the ad from its social media platforms after the controversy. In a subsequent statement, the brand clarified that the campaign was meant to celebrate individuality and confidence in wearing jeans. They emphasized that it was all about Sweeney’s personal story.
Despite the backlash, Sweeney’s focus remains on “Christy,” where she portrays iconic female boxer Christy Martin, known for her incredible rise in the boxing world during the 1990s. The film not only tells Martin’s story of triumph but also delves into her tough personal struggles, including domestic violence and addiction.
In preparing for her role, Sweeney underwent a significant physical transformation, gaining over 30 pounds and training intensively in boxing. She shared her excitement about the challenge, saying, “I felt very strong and powerful.” The actress was determined to portray Martin authentically, even engaging in real fight scenes during filming, which resulted in some injuries.
Sweeney’s commitment to her craft has not gone unnoticed. She expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside the real Christy Martin, who provided encouragement during filming. This genuine connection added depth to her performance and enthusiasm for the project.
As the film nears its premiere, it’s clear that Sydney Sweeney is ready to let her work speak for itself, focusing on the achievements of the legendary Christy Martin rather than the noise of controversy.
