Sydney Sweeney is making headlines once again—but this time, she’s making it clear she’s only here to talk movies. As the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) prepares to host the world premiere of Christy, an indie boxing drama directed by David Michôd, Sweeney is taking a firm stance: she will not be addressing the controversy surrounding her recent American Eagle ad campaign.
The actor, known for her roles in Euphoria and The White Lotus, stars in Christy as real-life professional boxer Christy Martin, whose rise to fame in the 1990s broke boundaries for women in the male-dominated sport. In an interview with Vanity Fair ahead of TIFF, Sweeney expressed her admiration for Martin’s story, calling her “one of the most harrowing and inspiring women that I’ve ever met in my entire life.”
TIFF marks Sweeney’s first major public appearance since the American Eagle campaign stirred intense debate over the summer. While she did walk the red carpet at the August premiere of her film Americana, she declined to speak to the press at the event—perhaps foreshadowing the careful media approach she’s now embracing.
The American Eagle campaign featured Sweeney in a series of denim ads, with the tagline: “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans.” The play on words—clearly referencing both physical appearance and genetic heritage—quickly ignited backlash online. Critics accused the campaign of glorifying white beauty standards and thinness, with some even going as far as comparing the aesthetic to “Nazi propaganda.”
Despite the controversy, American Eagle stood by the campaign. In a statement, the brand emphasized that the campaign was always intended to celebrate individuality and confidence: “‘Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans’ is and always was about the jeans. Her jeans. Her story,” the company said. “We’ll continue to celebrate how everyone wears their AE jeans with confidence, their way.”
The controversy reached a national level when even Trump’s political camp weighed in. Steven Cheung, a communications manager for the Trump White House, called the backlash a case of “cancel culture run amok,” defending Sweeney and condemning the public outrage.
Remarkably, the debate didn’t seem to hurt the bottom line. American Eagle reported that Sweeney’s limited-edition jeans collaboration sold out within a week. According to the company, the campaign also generated “unprecedented new customer acquisition,” a testament to Sweeney’s commercial appeal and influence—even amid controversy.
Still, Sweeney herself has remained completely silent on the matter, and it appears she intends to keep it that way, at least for now. “I am there to support my movie and the people involved in making it, and I’m not there to talk about jeans,” she told Vanity Fair. “The movie’s about Christy, and that’s what I’ll be there to talk about.”
Christy tells the story of Christy Martin’s rise as a trailblazing boxer who overcame numerous personal and professional obstacles, including domestic abuse and industry sexism. The role marks a significant shift for Sweeney, whose performance in the physically demanding role has already drawn early buzz. For the actor, the role was more than just a career move—it was a personal passion project. She described being “blown away” by Martin’s story, emphasizing the strength, grit, and vulnerability that defined the boxer’s life.
As TIFF kicks off, all eyes will be on Sweeney—not for what she wears or sells, but for how she transforms in the ring as Christy Martin. While the cultural conversation surrounding her off-screen persona may continue, Sydney Sweeney is stepping into this spotlight on her own terms: focused, unapologetic, and determined to let the work speak for itself.
