Critics claimed the advert played into sexist stereotypes by focusing on the breasts and bottom of the blonde-haired, blue-eyed star. Photo / Capture Media Group
Critics claimed the advert played into sexist stereotypes by focusing on the breasts and bottom of the blonde-haired, blue-eyed star. Photo / Capture Media Group
Sydney Sweeney admitted to “widening the divide” caused by her American Eagles jeans advert by remaining silent.
The US actress, 28, known for her roles in the television series Euphoria and The White Lotus, was accused of promoting eugenics after she starred in a campaign that used the slogan “SydneySweeney has Great Jeans”, as an entendre for the word “genes”.
Critics claimed the advert also played into sexist stereotypes by focusing on the breasts and bottom of the blonde-haired, blue-eyed star, while she tells viewers that the jeans “make your butt look amazing”.
In an interview with US magazine People, Sweeney admitted she had only fuelled the debate by choosing not to address the concerns publicly.
She said: “I was honestly surprised by the reaction. I did it because I love the jeans and love the brand.
“I don’t support the views some people chose to connect to the campaign. Many have assigned motives and labels to me that just aren’t true.
“Anyone who knows me knows that I’m always trying to bring people together. I’m against hate and divisiveness.”
Sweeney added: “In the past my stance has been to never respond to negative or positive press but recently I have come to realise that my silence regarding this issue has only widened the divide, not closed it.
“So I hope this new year brings more focus on what connects us instead of what divides us.”
In the advert, first published in July, Sweeney told viewers: “Genes are passed down from parents to offspring, often determining traits like hair colour, personality and even eye colour. My jeans are blue.”
The Hollywood star then came under fire again in November after she opted not to comment on the controversy during a GQ interview, instead saying: “I think that when I have an issue that I want to speak about, people will hear.”
She added: “I did a jean ad. I mean, 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 of my life.”
The campaign sparked comment from both sides of the political divide over the summer, with even Donald Trump weighing in. Photo / Getty Images
The campaign – which was intended to raise awareness of domestic violence – sparked comment from both sides of the political divide over the summer, with even Donald Trump weighing in.
In a post on social media, the US President said: “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans is and always was about the jeans. Her jeans. Her story.
“We’ll continue to celebrate how everyone wears their AE jeans with confidence, their way.
“Great jeans look good on everyone,” he added.
Sweeney, who is understood to be a registered Republican, said it was “surreal” that the US President had reacted to the ad.
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