Overview
- In a People interview published over the weekend, Sweeney said she did the American Eagle campaign because she loves the jeans and the brand, rejected views others attached to it, and described herself as against hate and divisiveness.
- She said her earlier decision not to respond had only widened the divide, presenting the statement as an effort to clarify her stance.
- American Eagle reaffirmed its defense of the campaign, saying the message was solely about jeans and how customers wear them with confidence.
- Progressive critics and commentators continued to argue the “great jeans/genes” pun evoked eugenics or racialized tropes, with new opinion pieces faulting Sweeney’s remarks as non-specific.
- Reporting highlighted that the featured denim reportedly sold out despite boycott calls, while the episode continues to shape conversation around Sweeney’s public image and upcoming projects.