Sydney Sweeney Shares Emotional Response to Controversial American Eagle Jeans Ad: ‘I’m Against Hate’ (Exclusive) https://t.co/1r1YLNbqZp
— People (@people) December 6, 2025
“I was honestly surprised by the reaction,” Sweeney told PEOPLE. “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.”
Sweeney told the outlet that she’s someone who “leads with kindness,” and that 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,” she said. “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.”
