Sydney Sweeney Declares She’s “Against Hate” Following American Eagle Ad Fallout

Months after her American Eagle campaign sparked backlash, Sydney Sweeney is addressing the fallout around the ad’s public perception.

via: CBM

The Madame Web star faced intense backlash back in July after posing for the denim brand's campaign titled, "Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans," when some associated the play on "genes" with white supremacy (yes, really).

Sweeney has previously been asked about the advert, but somewhat sidestepped the issue.

"I did a jean ad. I mean, the reaction definitely was a surprise, but I love jeans. All I wear are jeans. I’m literally in jeans and a T-shirt every day of my life."

Now, while promoting her latest movie The Housemaid during an interview with People.com, the Euphoria alum decided to more directly address the scrutiny she faced in an effort to clarify her stance.

"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. Many have assigned motives and labels to me that just aren’t true."

"Anyone who knows me knows that I’m always trying to bring people together," she continued. "I’m against hate and divisiveness. 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."

Sweeney's decision to comment on the controversy won't sit well with those who feel she did the right thing by refusing to acknowledge what many viewed as, frankly, a load of nonsense in the first place, but actors do tend to be put in these "damned if they do, damned if they don't" kind of situations when it's time to promote a movie.

Sweeney made headlines more recently after Batwoman star Ruby Rose called her a "cretin" and blamed her for "ruining" boxing biopic, Christy (find out more here). 

*****

I wondered why almost six months later after doubling down on her non-apology during her GQ interview that she's all of a sudden condeming hate when she had every opportunity to do it back then? Then it dawned on me.

She's suddenly condemning hate because her last three movies (Americana, Eden and Christie) were huge box office flops. With The Housemaid being a bigger-budgeted film and based on a book (which would mean Lionsgate is clamoring for a mainstream hit), this is clearly a PR stunt to do damage control on your messy personal beliefs.

However, I think the damage is done. The Housemaid is a book that women love, and when you've decided to cuck yourself to the male gaze instead of building your career towards a female-driven market, I can't see those women coming out to see you in a film based on a book they love.

People were already side-eying her when they discovered the conservative red hat party they threw for her mother's birthday, which was a play on the red MAGA hats. She's spent her off time cucking herself to male right-wing incel rage baitors on social media, who isn't coming out to see her movies. She registered as a Republican in Florida recently, and thought that by acting as a pin up girl for the right that her career would flourish. Only it backfired.

She's also been dating polarizing media conglomerate and zionist Scooter Braun, and don't get me started on her recent MAGA mom Faux News host makeover with that stiff bob she's been spotted rocking as of late.

It's going to take a lot more than a late condemnation of hate to rehabilitate your tarnished career.