Sydney Sweeney melt into tears after Denim campaign 'hate'

Sydney Sweeney is speaking candidly about the heated response to her American Eagle campaign.

The Christy star told People magazine she never anticipated the level of scrutiny surrounding the July 23 ad titled “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans.”

The actress said she was taken aback that a light-hearted play on words led to accusations of racial undertones and claims the ad catered to the male gaze.

“I was honestly surprised by the reaction,” Sweeney told the outlet. “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.”

American Eagle publicly defended the concept on Aug. 1, writing, “‘Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans’ is and always was about the jeans. Her jeans. Her story… Great jeans look good on everyone.”

Sweeney says she felt compelled to break her usual silence. “Anyone who knows me knows that I’m always trying to bring people together. I’m against hate and divisiveness,” she said.

“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.”

She first addressed the topic in GQ’s November “Men of the Year” issue: “I did a jean ad… I love jeans.”

Despite the controversy, the collection sold out quickly, with American Eagle reporting record denim sales and rapid sell-through of the pieces Sweeney wore.

Sweeney is now promoting The Housemaid, her upcoming film with Amanda Seyfried. She recalls Seyfried crocheting her a handmade bag on set: “One that is special to me was the time Amanda crocheted me this bag that is now my favourite bag ever.”