Sydney Sweeney is addressing the "MAGA Barbie" label that has been circulating on social media. In an interview with Cosmopolitan, the actress opened up about the controversy and why she prefers to stay out of political discussions.
The association began in the summer of 2025 after Sweeney appeared in an American Eagle advertisement that garnered support from conservatives. Some critics likened the ad to "Nazi propaganda" due to its use of the phrase "good genes" featuring a blonde, blue-eyed model. Following the ad, reports surfaced that Sweeney had registered as a Republican in Florida in June 2024. This information, combined with the American Eagle ad, led to some associating her with MAGA supporters. Even former U.S. President Donald Trump commented on the situation.
Sweeney told Cosmopolitan that she doesn't identify with the "MAGA Barbie" nickname. She stated, "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 believes people are using her as a "pawn" and assigning labels to her that she cannot control.
Sweeney emphasized that she is not a political person. "I became an actor because I like to tell stories, but I don't believe in hate in any form," she said. She further added, "I believe we should all love each other and have respect and understanding for one another".
Last month, Sweeney told People that her initial silence on the American Eagle controversy was a mistake and "has only widened the divide". She admitted she was "surprised" by the reaction to the ad, explaining, "I did it because I love the jeans and love the brand," and that "Many have assigned motives and labels to me that just aren't true".
Sweeney also addressed the tendency for people to project the roles she plays onto her real persona. "I play a lot of characters that make questionable decisions or where it's complicated to like them," she said. "People project some of that onto me". She added that it's uncomfortable having people say what you believe or think, especially when it doesn't align with who you are.
Sweeney is now trying to distance herself from the negativity. "I'm online and I see things, but I'm slowly pulling myself away," she said. "It's definitely gone to a level where it's just not healthy for me to digest it all". She hopes people will stop thinking of her as a "hateful person".
Currently, Sweeney is promoting her new lingerie brand, SYRN, with a series of photoshoots. She recently appeared on the cover of Cosmopolitan in a pink lace-trim bra.
