Hollywood star Sydney Sweeney is breaking her silence over the stir caused by her American Eagle jeans campaign. Facing waves of criticism, the Euphoria icon took aim at the media, claiming that the uproar stems more from how the story is spun than from her own actions.
In a candid chat with The Guardian, Sweeney expressed her frustration with being misunderstood. "I'm always myself," she stated, emphasizing her commitment to authenticity. Yet, she lamented the uncontrollable narratives others construct around her. Her remarks redirect some responsibility for the backlash to the public's interpretation rather than her involvement.
The "Anyone But You" star did not shy away from pointing fingers at articles and writers for fueling the controversy. According to Sweeney, journalists craft pieces based on interviews, leading readers to form subjective views of her work. "It's interesting how I'm always just me," she explained, "but it’s what other people put on me that’s uncontrollable."
“Like you're going to write this article… Then people will read it and have their own perception. So I try and be as much of me as possible, but it's always through other people’s lenses,” she elaborated.
Despite the buzz, Sweeney has stood her ground, refusing to apologize for the campaign's suggestive wordplay linking "good jeans" with "good genes." The ad stirred the pot, leaving many feeling it was in poor taste. Nonetheless, Sweeney has consistently dismissed calls for contrition.
Even in her GQ magazine interview, Sweeney remained unfazed by the backlash, partially unaware of its magnitude due to her packed schedule. Her recent interviews, as part of promoting her latest film, Christy, reveal her resolve not to bow to pressure from critics.
The backlash against Sweeney has grown, with critics accusing her of skirting responsibility for her ad's perception. Her recent comments, intended to clarify her stance, have instead reignited debate over the controversial campaign. Yet, she remains firm, choosing not to let external opinions dictate her narrative.
The saga continues, as observers await whether Sweeney will alter her stance or maintain her current course. Either way, her bold positioning keeps her firmly in the spotlight, as the discourse around media influence and celebrity responsibility evolves.