Sydney Sweeney has spoken out after being labeled “MAGA Barbie” by critics online. The Euphoria star, 28, addressed the controversy in a new interview with Cosmopolitan, making it clear that she does not want to be defined by political speculation.
Political Speculation Sparks Debate
Last August, The New York Post reported that Sweeney had been registered with the Republican Party of Florida in Monroe County since June 2024. The revelation fueled speculation about her political affiliations, with some critics linking her to U.S. President Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan. Sweeney, however, has never publicly commented on her political ties. Instead, she explained why she avoids engaging in such conversations. “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,” she said.
The American Eagle Campaign Backlash
The controversy intensified after Sweeney fronted a denim campaign for American Eagle. The tagline, “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans,” appeared alongside imagery where the word “genes” was crossed out and replaced with “jeans.” Some critics alleged that the phrase carried undertones linked to eugenics. Sweeney quickly clarified that the campaign was simply about denim and fashion, dismissing claims of hidden political messaging.
Standing Firm in Her Identity
In her Cosmopolitan interview, Sweeney emphasized that she refuses to let others define her. “I just have to continue being who I am, because I know who I am. I can’t make everyone love me. I know what I stand for,” she explained. She acknowledged the difficulty of responding to criticism, noting that any denial is often met with skepticism. “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 said.
“Not a Political Person”
Sweeney reiterated that she does not see herself as politically active. “I’m in the arts. I’m not here to speak on politics. That’s not an area I’ve ever even imagined getting into. It’s not why I became who I am,” she said. The actress added that her focus remains on storytelling and creativity, not political discourse. “I became an actor because I like to tell stories, but I don’t believe in hate in any form,” she concluded.
A Career Beyond Controversy
Despite the online criticism, Sweeney continues to thrive in Hollywood. With major projects lined up and her growing influence in fashion, she remains committed to her craft. Her response underscores her determination to separate her artistic identity from political narratives imposed by others.
