Sydney Sweeney has finally responded to the onslaught of negativity following her *ahem* memorable jeans ad for American Eagle in July.
The campaign featured the blonde-haired and blue-eyed 28-year-old in denim jeans from the brand, alongside the tagline, “Sydney Sweeney has great jeans”.
As you can imagine, the questionable choice of wordplay and the actress’ appearance sparked huge backlash with many people comparing the ad to Nazi propaganda.
Now, Sydney has come out and stated that she does not “support the views some people chose to connect to the campaign.”
In an interview with People, the actress revealed she was “honestly surprised by the reaction,” explaining: “I did it because I love the jeans and love the brand. Many have assigned motives and labels to me that just aren’t true.”
Did American Eagle apologise for the Sydney Sweeney ad?
American Eagle also took a firm stance against the negativity, insisting that the campaign was all about personality, style, and confidence.
On August 1, the brand posted that the ad “‘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.”
What does Donald Trump have to do with this?
US President Donald Trump even threw his two cents into the mix calling it “the hottest ad ever” in a Truth Social post in August, writing: “Sydney Sweeney, a registered Republican, has the HOTTEST ad out there, Go get ’em Sydney!”
The actress also told the outlet that she is someone who “leads with kindness,” and her only reason for addressing the campaign is to clarify her stance on the situation.
“Anyone who knows me knows that I’m always trying to bring people together. I’m against hate and divisiveness,” she told PEOPLE. “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.”
Was the campaign a total flop?
Despite its initial backlash, the campaign soon reached its goal by standing out in the competitive market. The ad resulted in a 10% increase in sales, a 26% surge in AE stock, and huge online virality. Maybe there really is no such thing as bad press after all?!
Who is the latest brand ambassador for American Eagle?
In November, the brand has also announced that Martha Stewart, 84, is trading in casseroles for cutoffs as the latest face of American Eagle.
We all know Martha as a household name linked with cooking, entertaining, and lifestyle expertise.
She has built an empire through her cookbooks, magazines, television shows, and products.
And now she’s entering the jean world as the latest face of the denim brand.
“This holiday season, we’re settling for nothing less than a perfect fit”… let’s hope Martha’s time as an American Eagle ambassador is a little less controversy-filled!
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
