Cindy Sweeney has publicly stated her stance of being “against hate” nearly four months after facing backlash for an American Eagle advertisement that some compared to “Nazi propaganda.”
“I was honestly taken aback by the reaction,” she mentioned in a recent interview. The ad rolled out in July.
“I did it because I love jeans and I love the brand. I don’t endorse the views that some have linked to the campaign. A lot of people are placing motives and labels on me that aren’t accurate,” said the 28-year-old star of “Euphoria.”
Ms. Sweeney emphasized that she is someone who “leads with kindness” and is currently developing a controversial campaign to clarify her views.
“Anyone who knows me is aware that I strive to foster unity. I oppose hatred and division,” she shared with the publication.
“I’ve always believed in not responding to either negative or positive press, but I’ve come to realize that remaining silent only deepens the divide rather than bridging it,” she added.
“So I hope this coming year brings more emphasis on what connects us instead of what separates us.”
Her recent remarks follow more than a month after she addressed the denim campaign for the first time.
When asked how she felt about the extensive conversation surrounding the ad, she replied candidly, “I promoted an ad for jeans. The reaction? Definitely unexpected. But hey, I love jeans!”
Earlier in the summer, Sweeney attracted attention when fans accused the American Eagle ad of promoting “Nazi propaganda” through a play on words involving “genes” and “jeans.”
In the ad, Sweeney spoke about how genes passed from parent to child can determine characteristics like “hair color, personality, and even eye color.”
After the backlash from fans and mockery from celebrities like Doja Cat and Lizzo, former President Trump commented that Sweeney’s ad was “amazing.” He was happy to discover that the actress is also “a registered Republican.”
She ended the promotional video by stating to the camera, “My jeans are blue.”
