Sydney Sweeney isn’t letting the controversy surrounding her recent American Eagle denim campaign keep her away from jeans. In fact, she’s embracing them even more.
On Friday, August 15, the Euphoria and Anyone But You star, 27, shared a series of Instagram photos showing a night out with friends. Sweeney kept her look classic and casual in a white T-shirt tucked into a pair of light-wash jeans. Her group of friends appeared to be on-theme as well, all wearing blue or denim for an evening of dancing, drinks, and even karaoke.
The actress captioned her carousel simply: “duval diaries.”
One photo showed Sweeney belting into a microphone alongside a friend, while another captured her holding drinks with her crew. The post immediately drew attention — not just for her outfit, but because it comes just weeks after the backlash surrounding her American Eagle campaign.
The Campaign That Sparked Controversy
Back in July, American Eagle unveiled its new campaign titled “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans.” The play on words, which doubled as a nod to her denim collection and a pun on “genes,” drew sharp criticism.
- Some critics accused the campaign of being racially insensitive, claiming the “genes” pun suggested genetic superiority.
- Others argued the ad catered to the male gaze, comparing it to Brooke Shields’ provocative 1980 Calvin Klein denim campaign.
Despite the backlash, both Sweeney and American Eagle defended the campaign.
“When they told me it would be a denim campaign, I was through the roof,” Sweeney said when the partnership was announced. “I thought, ‘This is it. This is Syd.’”
The actress explained that while she’s usually a “sweats girl,” she recently wore American Eagle jeans on a flight and was shocked by how comfortable they were. “It was the perfect fit,” she added.
American Eagle Responds
The brand doubled down in a public statement on Instagram earlier this month:
“‘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.”
In other words, American Eagle made it clear the campaign was never intended as anything beyond playful branding.
Sweeney Moves Forward — Fans Still Split
Now, by sharing new photos in her favorite denim, Sweeney seems to be quietly signaling that she’s standing by the campaign and her collaboration with the brand.
Reactions, however, remain mixed. Some fans flooded her Instagram comments with support for her carefree, authentic style. Others used the opportunity to reignite criticism, questioning the messaging of the American Eagle ads.
Regardless, Sweeney doesn’t appear fazed. If anything, she’s making it clear: she’s not giving up on denim anytime soon.