Sydney Sweeney’s involvement in a recent advertising campaign has sparked further debate.
The campaign showcased Sweeney, who is white with blonde hair and blue eyes, wearing jeans accompanied by the slogan: “Sydney Sweeney has great jeans.”
At first glance, the advertisement seemed to play on Sweeney’s physical attractiveness. However, concerns were raised about the choice of a blonde white woman being linked to a tagline joking about genetics.
Critics argued that, given the current socio-political environment in the United States, making jokes related to genetics could be seen as inappropriate due to their association with eugenics and white supremacy.
While the advertisement itself drew criticism, Sweeney has stirred more controversy by declining to address the issue or acknowledge the potential reasons for the campaign’s problematic reception.
In a conversation with GQ’s Katherine Stoeffel, Sweeney evaded questions regarding the contentious campaign.
Stoeffel inquired: “Is there something that you want to say about the ad itself? The criticism of the content was basically that, maybe specifically in this political climate, white people shouldn’t joke about genetic superiority.”
Sweeney responded curtly: “I think that when I have an issue that I want to speak about, people will hear.”
With this statement, it seemed clear that Sweeney was not interested in discussing the matter further.
Her response has only fueled more criticism, with social media users voicing their disapproval of the actor.
One individual suggested that Sweeney’s indifferent response might imply agreement with the underlying message, stating: “Oh sh*t she might actually be racist.”
Another noted that Sweeney’s popularity is partly due to her role in Euphoria, a series known for its diverse cast, commenting: “You are famous because of a show featuring a black woman and a trans woman at the forefront.”
A different observer pointed out that Sweeney hasn’t always appeared calm and unaffected when facing backlash, saying: “Sydney Sweeney trying to act cool and unbothered like she didn’t post that video a few years ago sobbing about people on twitter calling her ugly.”
One social media user highlighted how other celebrities also navigate controversies.
They remarked: “The biggest issue to me is that she really doesn’t have the offscreen charisma to get away with the kind of shenanigans she’s pulling.
“She clearly wants to be some kind of celebrity troll, but she doesn’t have the charm to keep anyone interested.”
Representatives for Sydney Sweeney have been contacted for comment.