More than three months after American Eagle released its controversial advertisement featuring Sydney Sweeney promoting “great jeans,” the actress has addressed the backlash in a recent GQ interview. The advertisement sparked widespread criticism for perceived racist undertones, with many accusing it of implying genetic superiority while promoting the jeans. The focus on Sydney Sweeney great jeans has reignited discussions about racial sensitivity in advertising.
Mixed Reactions to Sweeney’s Remarks in GQ Interview
During the interview, Sydney Sweeney expressed genuine surprise at the intensity of the social media uproar. When confronted with concerns about the advertisement’s alleged racial implications, she declined to directly engage. Interviewer Katherine Stoeffel pressed her on the criticism that
“white people shouldn’t joke about genetic superiority,”
inviting Sweeney to reflect on the controversy. However, Sweeney responded,
“I think that when I have an issue that I want to speak about, people will hear,”
effectively sidestepping the question.
British photographer Misan Harriman criticized Sweeney’s reluctance to address the racism allegations, posting on Instagram,
“Presuming that you are not a white supremacist, at least say how horrified you were by how this campaign was amplified and celebrated by unrepentant racists who believe in eugenics.”
He further stated,
“At least recognize the harm your jeans campaign has caused Black folk, the undertone of the campaign is that your genetics are superior to others, the play on words is clear as day and racists LOVED it!”
Viral Spread of the American Eagle Advertisement and Its Message
The advertisement launched in late July quickly went viral, largely due to the double meaning of “great jeans” and “great genes.” Critics interpreted the pun as a subtle nod to eugenics, provoking sharp backlash. Despite this, Sweeney’s straightforward comment during the GQ feature –
“Genes are passed down from parents to offspring, often determining traits like hair color, personality and even eye color. My jeans are blue”
– was seen by some as an attempt to diffuse the criticism, although it did little to satisfy detractors.
Divided Public Opinion: Support and Severe Criticism
The response from public figures and social media users remained sharply divided. Aimee Lou Wood, known for her role in White Lotus, reacted to the controversy by commenting with a barfing emoji on Harriman’s Instagram post. Many accused Sweeney of catering to bigoted views, with one user bluntly stating,
“Now I understand why people hate her.”
Conversely, several others praised her refusal to engage in what they viewed as a “race-baiting question,” applauding her composure and describing her response as a “PR masterclass.”
Social Media Debates Intensify Over Sweeney’s Position
On platforms like Twitter (now X), the debate intensified with a range of reactions. Some users criticized Sweeney for allegedly endorsing white supremacy by refusing to disavow it, as reflected in comments such as,
“hey, so do you want to just disavow white supremacy real quick?”
followed by her reputed reply, “no.” Others framed her as a figure standing her ground amid political pressure, with comments like,
“Wow. Incredibly based Sydney Sweeney. What a woman. Absolutely shut down the gotcha and stood her ground.”
One user summarized the interaction by stating,
“The journalist asked Sydney if white people should be allowed to joke about genetic superiority — just generally — and Sydney, a well-adjusted human who doesn’t live online, simply declined to engage in this extremely stupid conversation,”
highlighting how the actress’s approach divided opinions.
Media Coverage Highlights Tensions in Interview Dynamics
Observers analyzed not just Sweeney’s answers but also the demeanor of the interviewer. One comment noted,
“GQ’s Katherine Stoeffel was so desperate to destroy the reputation of Sydney Sweeney. You can see in her body language that she knew how inferior she was sitting next to Sydney Sweeney.”
Another social media user depicted a tense exchange with the remark,
“GQ Reporter: why aren’t you ashamed that people will think you’re a conservative? You should be. Sydney Sweeney: Next question.”
Why This Controversy Resonates Beyond the Campaign
The debate over the Sydney Sweeney great jeans campaign reflects broader anxieties about race, representation, and ambiguity in advertising messaging. The ad’s wordplay triggered a complicated set of reactions amid a politically charged atmosphere where discussions about racial superiority and white supremacy remain highly sensitive. The backlash illustrates how brands and celebrities walk a fine line between creativity and responsibility in their public communications.
For Sydney Sweeney, moving forward may involve clarifying her intentions or addressing concerns more openly to navigate the divided public perception. Meanwhile, the controversy serves as a reminder of the lasting impact marketing materials can have when they intersect with deeply rooted social issues.
https://twitter.com/favspopculture/status/1986238018815217800
what actually happened here is the journalist asked sydney if white people should be allowed to joke about the concept of good genes — just generally — and sydney, a well-adjusted human who doesn't live online, simply declined to engage in this extremely stupid conversation https://t.co/qz3Pw67ieN
— Mike Solana (@micsolana) November 6, 2025
It’s kinda crazy that the most famous actress and the biggest sex symbol on the planet is unapologetically pro-white https://t.co/Iq0hjnLhAx
— Shaniqua Posting Delusions (@DeIudedShaniqwa) November 6, 2025
Sydney Sweeney is an American icon.
"In this political climate, as a white woman, I want to give you an opportunity to apologize for saying you have good genes."
"No." pic.twitter.com/9LGmCMvaGw
— Geiger Capital (@Geiger_Capital) November 6, 2025
sydney sweeney is such a fucking loser. and i hate to say that about someone who i used to believe had the potential to be great. but she’s proved that she would rather pander to bigots than make good art! that’s so lame!!!
— kendall (@filmbitten) November 6, 2025
https://twitter.com/watchingspirals/status/1986456842311246175
https://twitter.com/AutismCapital/status/1986501842118058421
Interviewer asks, "White people shouldn't have the feeling of genetic superiority. What do you think?"
Sydney Sweeney, "I will talk about it if I have an issue with it"
Now I understand why people hate herpic.twitter.com/3aUrjNr6bF
— Lord Immy Kant (@KantInEastt) November 6, 2025
“I think that when I have an issue I want to speak about, people will hear.”
Queen bee energy. 10/10 no notes. pic.twitter.com/pN9oAFikBw
— Katherine Boyle (@KTmBoyle) November 6, 2025
GQ's Katherine Stoeffel was so desperate to destroy the reputation of Sydney Sweeney.
You can see in her body language that she knew how inferior she was sitting next to Sydney Sweeney.
— Wall Street Mav (@WallStreetMav) November 6, 2025
My summary:
GQ Reporter: why aren’t you ashamed that people will think you’re a conservative? You should be.
Sydney Sweeney: Next question.
— Jennifer Sey (@JenniferSey) November 6, 2025
Sydney Sweeney delivered a PR masterclass in her GQ interview. pic.twitter.com/fKmHB7Ag2L
— Jack Mac (@JackMacCFB) November 6, 2025
