Toronto, Canada – Actress Sydney Sweeney, 27, best known for her breakout role in Euphoria, is staying focused on her upcoming film “Christy”, which premieres at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 5. While controversy swirled around her participation in American Eagle’s recent “Great Jeans” campaign, Sweeney has made it clear that her attention remains firmly on her work.
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What Happened
American Eagle’s “Great Jeans” campaign attempted a wordplay between “genes” and “jeans.” In the ad, Sweeney was seen highlighting the word “gene” before crossing it out in favor of “jeans.” The creative choice sparked backlash online, with critics accusing the campaign of promoting eugenics and calling it tone-deaf.
While critics condemned the ad, former President Donald Trump praised it, calling it a bold move against what he described as “woke advertising.”
In response to the criticism, American Eagle removed the campaign from social media and issued a clarification. The brand emphasized that the campaign was intended to celebrate individual confidence and self-expression through fashion, inspired by Sweeney’s personal journey.
Who Is Sydney Sweeney?
Sydney Sweeney has quickly become one of Hollywood’s most talked-about rising stars. Best known for her role in HBO’s Euphoria, she has taken on diverse projects, with “Christy” marking a significant step in her career.
In the film, Sweeney portrays Christy Martin, the legendary boxer who broke barriers in the 1990s while also battling domestic violence and addiction. To prepare, Sweeney gained over 30 pounds of muscle, underwent months of intensive boxing training, and even filmed real fight scenes—sustaining injuries along the way.
Background and Timeline
Despite the controversy surrounding the American Eagle ad, Sweeney has chosen to keep her focus on her craft. In an interview with Vanity Fair, she said:
“I am there to support my film and those involved in making it, and I am not there to talk about jeans.”
Sweeney expressed excitement about the role, noting that portraying Christy Martin made her feel strong, powerful, and connected to the real-life fighter, who also served as an advisor during production.
Public and Social Media Reaction
The campaign backlash has sparked broader conversations about advertising, cultural sensitivity, and so-called “woke” culture. While some criticized the ad as insensitive, others defended Sweeney and highlighted her commitment to her acting career.
Fans and colleagues praised her decision to stay focused on the “Christy” premiere, rather than fueling further controversy. Many on social media expressed admiration for her discipline and dedication to portraying strong women on screen.
Official Statement and What’s Next
Sweeney has not made further public comments about the ad controversy, but she has been vocal about her gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside Christy Martin and bring her inspiring story to audiences worldwide.
With the Toronto International Film Festival premiere of Christy, Sweeney is choosing to let her work speak louder than controversy, showing her commitment to meaningful roles and personal growth as an actress.
