Sydney Sweeney has finally addressed the uproar surrounding her recent American Eagle campaign, which has been criticized for a range of alleged issues — from oversexualization and lack of diversity to accusations of racial undertones and being a right-wing “dog whistle.”
The campaign, which was meant to spotlight denim culture with a retro Americana twist, quickly became a lightning rod for debate. Critics argued that the imagery reduced women to outdated stereotypes and ignored broader cultural representation.
Some also accused the brand of using Sweeney’s image in a way that reinforced narrow beauty standards.
In her statement, Sweeney admitted she was taken aback by the intensity of the backlash. “It was never my intention to hurt or exclude anyone,”
she said. “I trusted the creative direction, but I also hear and respect the voices that feel unseen. That’s important to me.”
Despite the controversy, Sweeney emphasized her love for working with brands that value authenticity and inclusivity, hinting that future collaborations will reflect these priorities more strongly.
American Eagle has also released its own statement, saying they “stand by Sydney” while acknowledging that the conversation has sparked an internal review of their creative processes.
For many, this controversy has sparked a broader conversation about the responsibilities celebrities and brands share in shaping cultural narratives — and how quickly those narratives can turn under the scrutiny of a global audience.