Sydney Sweeney has recently been confronting a wave of criticism and backlash, and she’s addressing a particular issue that’s been troubling her. Although she remained largely silent regarding the American Eagle jeans controversy earlier this year, she is now openly speaking out about a recurring beauty issue she faces.
To refresh your memory, the incident with American Eagle jeans involved an advertisement that played on the word ‘genes,’ which sparked debate among viewers. Some critics went as far as accusing the ad of endorsing eugenics and white supremacy. It wasn’t until months later that Sweeney offered a response that some found lacking.
During an interview with GQ, the *Anyone But You* actress asserted that she didn’t pay much attention to the heated discussions that the ad sparked. When prompted to comment, she simply stated, “I think that when I have an issue that I want to speak about, people will hear.”
However, Sweeney now seems more direct and is addressing the ongoing discussions about her appearance, which have followed her for years. In a conversation with her *The Housemaid* co-star Amanda Seyfried, Sweeney dismissed rumors that she has undergone plastic surgery to achieve her signature ‘bombshell’ look.
In an Allure interview, the 28-year-old actress clarified, “Let’s debunk them all. I mean, I have never gotten work done. I am so scared of needles, you have no idea.”
Sweeney also criticized social media users who perpetuate surgery rumors by comparing photos of her from her youth with more recent images.
The actress pointed out, “You cannot compare a photo of me from when I was 12 to a photo of me at 26 with professional makeup and lighting! Of course I’m going to look different. Everybody on social media’s insane.”
Seyfried mentioned that Sweeney doesn’t need any procedures at this stage, but added that some cosmetic enhancements can be ‘really effective once you get older.’ Sweeney humorously interjected, saying that if she decides to consider cosmetic procedures, she would consult Seyfried.
Sweeney has previously opened up about the remarks she encountered while attempting to build her acting career. In October, during a Variety interview, she recounted attending an audition at age 16 where she was advised to undergo cosmetic procedures.
She shared, “I had someone tell me to fix my face or else I’m not going to make it. I should get Botox. I was 16! Or I’m in a casting and I’m reading my scene and the casting director is eating a bag of chips, and I’m like, ‘You’re not paying attention at all.’”