The MAGA loved Hollywood superstar Sydney Sweeney finally spoke up openly about the controversy surrounding her “racist” American Eagle advert.The actress admitted that her staying quiet only made matters worse in an interview with the People magazine.The Euphoria star came under fire after the brand released its “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans” campaign in July. The slogan was meant as a simple pun about denim, but it was perceived in other ways as well. Some said that the play on “jeans” and “genes” carried racial undertones and hinted at promoting the genetic superiority of the typical blonde and White women. Others said the advert was meant for the male gaze.Speaking to the People, Sweeney said she had not expected such a reaction. She said: “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 said she usually avoids engaging with public criticism, but felt compelled to speak this time. “In the past my stance has been to never respond to negative or positive press but recently I have come to realise that my silence regarding this issue has only widened the divide, not closed it,” she said. “I’m against hate and divisiveness.”American Eagle defended the advert after the backlash began. In an Instagram post on August 1, the company wrote, “‘Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans’ is and always was about the jeans. Her jeans. Her story. We’ll continue to celebrate how everyone wears their AE jeans with confidence, their way. Great jeans look good on everyone.”However, earlier this month, Sweeney seemed to dodge a question with GQ in which she was asked directly about accusations of racial insensitivity. Journalist Katherine Stoeffel asked Sweeney that “white people shouldn’t joke about genetic superiority.” Sweeney replied, “I think that when I have an issue that I want to speak about, people will hear.” She added that the advert “spoke for itself.”Her brief response stirred another row. Netizens have already questioned Sweeney about her association with Republicans or Donald Trump. Many have called her the new “MAGA Barbie” as well.
