Sydney Sweeney finally breaks silence on her highly controversial ad campaign

Sydney Sweeney finally speaks out about her highly controversial American ad campaign.

For the unversed, the 28-year-old actress faced backlash for her American Eagle "great jeans" ad campaign titled, "Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans," in July 2025.

Many social media users felt the advertisement were overly sexualised and pandered to the male gaze.

Now, talking about it, Sweeney told PEOPLE, "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," the Christy star said, adding, "Many have assigned motives and labels to me that just aren’t true."

According to the Eden performer, she is addressing the campaign backlash to clarify her stance and dispel negativity.

"Anyone who knows me knows that I’m always trying to bring people together. I’m against hate and divisiveness," Sydney Sweeney said in the end.

She also noted, "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. So I hope this new year brings more focus on what connects us instead of what divides us."

On the professional front, Sydney Sweeney will soon star in The Devil Wears Prada 2.