Sydney Sweeney responds to American Eagle ad controversy and discusses new film The Housemaid

Sydney Sweeney opens up about backlash over her American Eagle denim ad and shares insights on her upcoming film

Sydney Sweeney is opening up about the controversy surrounding her American Eagle fall denim campaign while reflecting on her upcoming movie, The Housemaid.

The campaign, titled “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans,” launched in July and drew criticism for its use of the word “jeans” as a pun on “genes,” which some interpreted as racially insensitive.

Others said it echoed Brooke Shields’ 1980 denim ad and catered to the male gaze.

“I was 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 connected to the campaign. Many have assigned motives and labels to me that aren’t true.”

American Eagle defended the campaign, emphasizing it was about celebrating the jeans. Sweeney said she hopes to clarify her intentions and foster positivity.

“I’m against hate and divisiveness,” she said. “I realized my silence only widened the divide, not closed it. I hope next year brings more focus on what connects us instead of what divides us.”

Despite the backlash, the campaign was a success. Items from Sweeney’s collection, including the Sydney Jacket and her Dreamy Drape jeans, sold out quickly, with proceeds benefiting the Crisis Text Line.

Sweeney is now focused on promoting The Housemaid, directed by Paul Feig. She fondly recalled bonding with co-star Amanda Seyfried, who made her a handmade bag on set.

“We supported each other, giving 100% and having fun,” she said.

Off-set, Sweeney enjoys outdoor adventures, arts and crafts, and time with her dog. She also shared her family’s holiday tradition of taking matching onesie photos stacked in a pyramid.

On work-life balance, she admitted, “I haven’t figured it out yet. I’m a work in progress.” She said she finds happiness in love, family, and friends, and plans to be more intentional in the coming year.

The Housemaid premieres in theaters on December 19.