If you so much as logged on to any social media site back in July, chances are you'll be aware of the controversy surrounding Sydney Sweeney's American Eagle Jeans advert.
The Madame Web star faced intense backlash after posing for the denim brand's campaign titled, "Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans," when some associated the play on "genes" with white supremacy (yes, really).
Sweeney has previously been asked about the advert, but somewhat sidestepped the issue.
"I did a jean ad. I mean, the reaction definitely was a surprise, but I love jeans. All I wear are jeans. I’m literally in jeans and a T-shirt every day of my life."
Now, while promoting her latest movie The Housemaid during an interview with People.com, the Euphoria alum decided to more directly address the scrutiny she faced in an effort to clarify her stance.
"I was honestly surprised by the reaction. I did it because I love the jeans and love the brand. I don’t support the views some people chose to connect to the campaign. Many have assigned motives and labels to me that just aren’t true."
"Anyone who knows me knows that I’m always trying to bring people together," she continued. "I’m against hate and divisiveness. In the past my stance has been to never respond to negative or positive press but recently I have come to realize that my silence regarding this issue has only widened the divide, not closed it. So I hope this new year brings more focus on what connects us instead of what divides us."
Sweeney's decision to comment on the controversy won't sit well with those who feel she did the right thing by refusing to acknowledge what many viewed as, frankly, a load of nonsense in the first place, but actors do tend to be put in these "damned if they do, damned if they don't" kind of situations when it's time to promote a movie.
Sweeney made headlines more recently after Batwoman star Ruby Rose called her a "cretin" and blamed her for "ruining" boxing biopic, Christy (find out more here).
THE HOUSEMAID is a wildly entertaining thriller starring Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried, based on the best-selling book. From director Paul Feig, the film plunges audiences into a twisted world where perfection is an illusion, and nothing is as it seems. Trying to escape her past, Millie (Sweeney) accepts a job as a live-in housemaid for the wealthy Nina (Seyfried) and Andrew Winchester (Brandon Sklenar). But what begins as a dream job quickly unravels into something far more dangerous — a sexy, seductive game of secrets, scandal, and power. Behind the Winchesters’ closed doors lies a world of shocking twists that will leave you guessing until the very end.
Lionsgate presents, in association with Media Capital Technologies, a Hidden Pictures / Pretty Dangerous Pictures production. Based on the book by Freida McFadden. Screenplay by Rebecca Sonnenshine. Directed by Paul Feig.