Sydney Sweeney is pushing back against being labeled a "MAGA Barbie"! The talented actress, known for her roles in "The Housemaid" and the recent "Christy," is addressing the online chatter that has tried to define her political stance, particularly after a controversial denim advertisement.
In a candid conversation with Cosmopolitan, the 28-year-old star expressed her frustration with people making assumptions about her personal beliefs. "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," Sweeney shared. This comes after a jeans ad for American Eagle, where she highlighted her "good genes" (and "good jeans," a clever play on words), drew significant criticism from some who perceived it as promoting white supremacist ideology, especially given her blonde hair and blue eyes. But here's where it gets controversial... The ad even garnered a defense from President Trump and Vice President JD Vance, further fueling the online debate.
Sweeney feels that people are trying to use her as a pawn. "People want to take it even further and use me as their own pawn," she told Cosmo. "But it's somebody else assigning something to me, and I can't control that."
When asked why she hasn't publicly clarified her political views, Sweeney explained that she simply doesn't want to engage with the narrative. "I haven't figured it out. 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. There's never any winning," she admitted. She believes the best approach is to remain true to herself. "I just have to continue being who I am, because I know who I am," Sweeney continued. "I can't make everyone love me. I know what I stand for."
This interview coincides with the launch of Sweeney's new lingerie brand, Syrn, marking another venture into commercial branding. Her 2025 film slate includes the box office disappointment "Christy" and the thriller "The Housemaid," showcasing her busy career. The American Eagle ad, along with a campaign for Dr. Squatch soap that allegedly featured her real bath water, has sparked discussions about her frequent use of celebrity for branding opportunities.
And this is the part most people miss... Is it fair for the public to project political labels onto celebrities based on their advertisements and public image? Or should public figures have the right to keep their personal beliefs private, focusing solely on their artistic endeavors? What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments below!