Sydney Sweeney admits she was 'surprised' by intense backlash to American Eagle jeans campaign

Sydney Sweeney isn’t feeling euphoric about online commentary.

The “Housemaid” star, 28, came under fire following an American Eagle partnership in July.

The “Sydney Sweeney has great jeans” campaign sparked a debate about race and beauty standards.

Critics focused on the use of the word “genes” instead of “jeans” when discussing the blonde-haired, blue-eyed star.

Many social media users felt that the ad promoted eugenics .

Now, Sweeney is getting candid on her ad’s reaction.

“I was honestly surprised by the reaction,” she confessed to People. “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.”

Sweeney said she “leads with kindn