Sydney Sweeney has spoken out against hate, addressing the backlash from her American Eagle advertisement that was controversially compared to “Nazi propaganda” nearly four months ago.
In an interview with People, the actress expressed her surprise at the controversy surrounding the July ad campaign. “I was genuinely taken aback by the reaction,” she said. “I participated in the campaign because I love the jeans and the brand. I do not endorse the views that some have associated with the campaign. The motives and labels attributed to me are simply not accurate,” added the 28-year-old star of “Euphoria.”
Sweeney emphasized her commitment to kindness and explained why she is now speaking out about the situation. “I am someone who strives to bring people together,” she stated. “I stand firmly against hate and divisiveness.”
Reflecting on her usual approach to public commentary, Sweeney noted, “In the past, I’ve chosen not to respond to either negative or positive media attention, but I’ve come to understand that by staying silent on this issue, I have inadvertently contributed to the divide rather than helping to close it.”
“Anyone who knows me knows that I’m always trying to bring people together. I’m against hate and divisiveness,” she told the outlet.
“In the past, my stance has been to never respond to negative or positive press but recently I have come to realize that my silence regarding this issue has only widened the divide, not closed it,” Sweeney shared.
“So I hope this new year brings more focus on what connects us instead of what divides us.”
The “Anyone But You” star’s latest remarks come more than a month after she broke her silence on the denim campaign.
“I did a jean ad,” she said matter-of-factly when asked if she was surprised about the discourse. “I mean, the reaction definitely was a surprise. But it was … I love jeans!”
Sweeney also said having the support of President Donald Trump was “surreal.”
Over the summer, the “Madame Web” actress made headlines after fans claimed her American Eagle ad promoted “Nazi propaganda” by using a play on the words “genes” and “jeans.”
In one of the ads, Sweeney, who has blue eyes and blond hair, talked about how genes that are passed from parent to offspring often determine traits such as “hair color, personality and even eye color.”
She then ended the video by looking at the camera and saying, “My jeans are blue.”
After receiving backlash from fans and being mocked by celebrities such as Doja Cat and Lizzo, Trump, 79, told reporters Sweeney’s ad was “fantastic.”
The politician was also happy to hear that the actress was a “registered Republican.”
