(Image Source: Cosmopolitan)
Rising star Sydney Sweeney, no stranger to controversy, sparked a "white supremacy" debate last year over ad copy for her American Eagle denim campaign . This was followed by reports alleging her private political registration aligned with the Republican Party, a stark contrast to largely Democratic Hollywood. Consequently, some online dubbed her "MAGA Barbie" (short for "Make America Great Again").
Amidst these ongoing controversies, Sweeney has consistently refrained from directly confirming or denying the claims. In a recent interview with women's fashion magazine "Cosmopolitan," Sweeney elaborated on her reasons for not offering any clarification.
(Image Source: Cosmopolitan)
Sweeney previously stated her opposition to any acts of hatred and division, explaining her reluctance to fuel such behaviors with direct responses. "Those aren't my values, but I've never felt the need to correct people who don't know me," she said. She continued, "It's never a comfortable feeling when others articulate your thoughts and beliefs, especially when those views aren't ones you endorse. It feels strange; I have to process and accept it because it's not me, those statements don't represent me, yet I'm forced to watch it all unfold. I see these things online, but I'm slowly distancing myself. The situation has become incredibly unhealthy and unbearable for me."
(Image Source: Cosmopolitan)
Sweeney emphasized, "I didn't get into this industry to talk politics; I've always been here to create art, so this isn't a topic I'm eager to engage with. But I think precisely because of that, some people want to escalate things and use me as their pawn. These are all things imposed on me by others, and I have no control over them."
Sweeney remains steadfast in being herself and has no desire to please everyone. "I haven't figured out where my bottom line is for wanting to step forward and correct something," she stated. "I'm not a resentful person. If I were to clarify, 'What you're saying isn't true,' they would just retort, 'You're only saying that to protect your image.' In an argument like that, no one wins; there's never a possibility of winning. I can only continue to be myself because I understand who I am. I can't make everyone like me, but I know where I stand."
(Image Source: Cosmopolitan)
Sweeney reiterated, "I'm not a highly political person; I'm involved in creating art, not discussing politics. I never intended to venture into the political sphere, nor has politics shaped who I am today." Sweeney also lamented that even with the strongest public relations team, it's often difficult to combat the distorted narratives unilaterally driven by netizens, and such misinformation is virtually impossible to rectify.
Beyond the political discourse, Sweeney's "Cosmopolitan" interview primarily served to promote her newly launched lingerie brand, SYRN. With her famously stunning physique, Sweeney naturally serves as SYRN's prominent face and spokesperson. However, her high profile inevitably attracts detractors who suggest she's deliberately trying to appeal to a male audience. Her response to this criticism is clear: "People will say, 'Oh, she's doing this to please guys,' or 'She's just one of those girls who gets along particularly well with men.' But I think, 'What's more empowering than owning your body and living for yourself?' I hope it's their own choice — their choice in what they wear — whether it's for themselves, for others to see, or for the camera."
via： Cosmopolitan