Sydney Sweeney Addresses Political Speculation and Emphasizes Artistic Mission
In a candid new interview with Cosmopolitan, actress Sydney Sweeney has firmly shut down ongoing speculation about her political beliefs, making it clear that her primary focus remains on her artistic endeavors rather than political discourse. The Euphoria star, who has found herself at the center of a political firestorm following a controversial advertising campaign, stated unequivocally, "I've never been here to talk about politics. I've always been here to make art, so this is just not a conversation I want to be at the forefront of."
The Controversial Ad Campaign and Political Fallout
The controversy erupted last summer when Sweeney appeared in an advertisement for American Eagle that sparked significant debate on social media. Some viewers interpreted the campaign as promoting racial superiority, though the brand defended it as simply celebrating denim fashion. The ad featured Sweeney saying, "Genes are passed down from parents to offspring," before turning to the camera and adding, "My jeans are blue." Print advertisements showed the denim-clad actress alongside the slogan, "Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans."
American Eagle responded to the criticism by stating, "'Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans' is and always was about the jeans. Her jeans. Her story. We'll continue to celebrate how everyone wears their AE jeans with confidence, their way. Great jeans look good on everyone." Despite this clarification, the advertisement drew attention from prominent political figures, including former President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance, who praised Sweeney and mocked what they perceived as "woke" political debates surrounding the campaign.
Sweeney's Response to Political Labeling and Public Perception
In her Cosmopolitan interview, Sweeney directly addressed those who have labeled her as a "MAGA Barbie" and made assumptions about her political leanings. She expressed frustration with being used as a "pawn" in political discussions, noting that "people want to take it even further and use me as their own pawn. But it's somebody else assigning something to me, and I can't control that." When asked about her political beliefs, Sweeney revealed that she hasn't fully "figured it out" and emphasized her non-confrontational approach: "I'm not a hateful person. If I say, 'That's not true,' they'll come at me like, 'You're just saying that to look better.' There's no winning."
The actress elaborated on her personal philosophy, stating, "I just have to continue being who I am, because I know who I am. I can't make everyone love me. I know what I stand for." She made it clear that she does not see herself becoming a politically outspoken Hollywood figure, explaining, "No, I'm not a political person. I'm in the arts. I'm not here to speak on politics. That's not an area I've ever even imagined getting into. It's not why I became who I am."
Previous Comments and Ongoing Public Battles
Sweeney previously addressed the controversy in an interview with GQ, describing the reaction to the American Eagle ad as "surreal" and expressing surprise at Trump's involvement. She maintained that the advertisement was simply about "great jeans" and did not affect her personally. "I knew at the end of the day what that ad was for, and it was great jeans, it didn't affect me one way or the other," she said. "I've always believed that I'm not here to tell people what to think ... when I have an issue that I want to speak about, people will hear."
The actress also drew parallels between her public image struggles and her portrayal of pioneering female boxer Christy Martin in the film Christy. In a video chat with Postmedia, Sweeney noted, "Christy has fought her own fights in the ring and outside of the ring, and I fight my own respective fights in a ring and outside of the ring. It's complicated being a young woman and trying to trailblaze your own path in an industry that you don't know how to navigate."
Focus on Entrepreneurship and Personal Values
Sweeney's latest interview comes as she promotes her lingerie brand, Syrn, which she recently publicized through a attention-grabbing stunt that involved dangling undergarments on the Hollywood Sign in Los Angeles. She emphasized her commitment to creating products she believes in, stating, "If I wouldn't wear it, I wouldn't want to make it." This entrepreneurial venture represents another aspect of her career that she prioritizes over political engagement.
Throughout the interview, Sweeney consistently returned to themes of artistic integrity, personal authenticity, and her desire to avoid political labeling. She expressed a belief in universal values of love and respect, stating, "I don't believe in hate in any form. I believe we should all love each other and have respect and understanding for one another." Her comments reflect a deliberate choice to maintain focus on her creative work while navigating the complexities of public perception in today's highly politicized media environment.
