Sydney Sweeney Refuses to Apologize for Controversial American Eagle Jeans Ad Despite Pressure
Sydney Sweeney is refusing to apologize for her controversial American Eagle jeans campaign, even after repeated questioning by GQ journalist Katherine Stoeffel.
The ad, released in July and titled “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans,” drew criticism online. Some social media users argued that the pun on “jeans” and “genes,” paired with a blonde-haired, blue-eyed white woman, could be interpreted as promoting eugenics or white supremacy.
During the interview, Stoeffel asked Sweeney about the reaction, noting that even President Donald Trump had commented on the ad. “I mean, Trump tweeted about the jeans ad … that just seems like a very crazy moment…” she said. Sweeney described the attention as “surreal.”
When asked whether she worried that people might make assumptions about her personal beliefs, Sweeney replied simply, “No.” She added, “I think that when I have an issue that I want to speak about, people will hear.”
NEW: Sydney Sweeney refuses to apologize for the American Eagle jeans ad after GQ's Katherine Stoeffel continuously tried to get her to cave.
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) November 6, 2025
Stoeffel: I mean, Trump tweeted about the jeans ad … that just seems like a very crazy moment…
Sweeney: It was surreal.
Stoeffel:… pic.twitter.com/F9ihaeMqeq
The GQ reporter also pressed Sweeney on criticisms suggesting white people shouldn’t joke about genetic superiority. Sweeney maintained her stance and did not apologize, standing firm on her right to speak on issues when she chooses.
The campaign caught the attention of several public figures, including White House communications director Steven Cheung, Vice President JD Vance, and Trump himself. Asked about the ad, Trump said, “She’s a registered Republican? Oh, now I love her ad! You’d be surprised at how many people are Republicans … If Sydney Sweeney is a registered Republican, I think her ad is fantastic!”
Despite the backlash, Sweeney continues to defend her campaign and refuses to issue an apology.
