Glen Powell Defends Sydney Sweeney’s Great Jeans Controversy, Calls It “B-------” Media Stunt

Published 10/25/2025, 12:20 PM EDT

Glen Powell has defended Sydney Sweeney amid backlash over her American Eagle advert, Sydney Sweeney has great jeans, which faced criticism for its play on “jeans” and “genes,” with some comparing it to eugenic language. Speaking to The Guardian, Powell, who starred with Sweeney in the 2023 rom-com Anyone But You, addressed the controversy, insisting that many understood the criticism was overblown. “I think people are aware that it’s b-------,” Powell said.

Glen Powell further added, responding to the media backlash, that many companies today act out of fear of losing relevance, rushing campaigns without considering the consequences. Powell highlighted how accountability is often ignored in modern business, with brands prioritizing attention over responsibility and pushing projects even when they might cause harm, reflecting a culture in which caution and oversight are increasingly rare.

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Glen Powell explained that he avoids engaging in public disputes because they distract from meaningful work and serve only commercial interests. He argued that attempting to correct false narratives often worsens the situation, feeding the controversy instead of resolving it. Powell observed that the smartest people in Hollywood focus on their work, ignoring conflicts unrelated to them, and letting events unfold without interference or needless reaction. While Powell has come to the defense of Sweeney, many fans remain curious about the inspiration behind the ad.

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Could Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle campaign be tipping its hat to Brooke Shields’ iconic Calvin Klein ads?

Sydney Sweeney’s denim campaign sparks questions about its origins

Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle campaign has drawn comparisons to Brooke Shields’ iconic Calvin Klein advertisement. Both feature young actresses in denim with bold, provocative messaging designed to capture attention. Sweeney’s ad emphasizes how the jeans enhance her figure, while Shields famously suggested she wore nothing beneath her Calvins. Each campaign sparked controversy, blending praise and criticism. Speculation suggests that the parallels in style, fame, and cultural resonance indicate Sweeney’s campaign may have been inspired by Shields’ legendary work.

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The timing and tone of Sydney Sweeney’s campaign amplified its impact, arriving while she was already in the spotlight. Much like Brooke Shields once did, Sweeney became the bold, daring face of a denim brand, attracting both admiration and criticism. The campaign’s backlash even drew commentary from Donald Trump. Now, Glen Powell stepped in to defend his co-star, as per the reports, demonstrating how trusted allies can support talent and influence public perception when controversy threatens to take over.

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What do you think about Glen Powell supporting Sydney Sweeney? Let us know in the comments below.

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Yusra Miraj Khan

1113 articles

Yusra Miraj Khan is an Entertainment Journalist at Netflix Junkie. Specializing in Taylor Swift and the British Royal Family, she transforms modern mythologies into high-ranking, reader-first narratives. Since joining in early 2025, Khan has penned over 500 articles, known for their sharp decoding of Easter eggs and PR silences.

Edited By: Hriddhi Maitra

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