UPDATE: Controversy erupts as Sydney Sweeney addresses backlash from her American Eagle jeans ad, which many criticized for promoting eugenics. The Euphoria star’s response has sparked further outrage, prompting fellow actress Aimee Lou Wood to weigh in on social media.
In a candid interview with GQ, released earlier today, Sweeney stated she was “surprised” by the overwhelming negative reaction to her ad. “I did a jean ad,” she said, “I mean, the reaction definitely was a surprise, but I love jeans.” This lack of acknowledgment regarding the serious implications of the campaign has not sat well with many, including photographer and activist Misan Harriman, who called for Sweeney to recognize the harm caused by the ad’s undertones.
Harriman shared a clip of Sweeney’s interview on Instagram, urging her to confront the fact that the campaign was embraced by “unrepentant racists who believe in eugenics.” He continued, “Presuming that you are not a white supremacist, at least say how horrified you were by how this campaign was amplified. It matters.” His post quickly garnered attention, leading to a flurry of comments criticizing Sweeney’s response.
Among those reactions, Aimee Lou Wood commented with a nauseated face emoji, clearly indicating her disapproval of Sweeney’s handling of the situation. This simple yet powerful gesture has gone viral, with fans applauding Wood for her stance. Many users expressed their disdain for Sweeney’s comments, reinforcing the divisive nature of this ongoing debate.
The controversy surrounding the ad has persisted for months, igniting discussions about race, representation, and responsibility in advertising. As public sentiment continues to evolve, the impact of this dialogue on the industry remains to be seen.
As this story develops, eyes are on Sweeney and her next steps in addressing the fallout. Will she offer a more thoughtful response? This is a critical moment not just for her career, but for the broader conversation about representation and inclusivity in media. Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds.
