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Sydney Sweeney’s new GQ interview has sparked dozens of memes. Particularly, it was her unbothered facial expression when asked about her controversial jeans ad that gave netizens plenty to joke about.

In case you missed it, back in July the actress starred in an American Eagle campaign titled “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans” that used the word “jeans” as a play on “genes.” 

“Genes are passed down from parents to offspring, often determining traits like hair color, personality, and even eye color. My jeans are blue,” the 28-year-old says in the ad. 

Image credits: GQ

Because Sydney is a blonde-haired, blue-eyed white woman, many viewers interpreted the campaign as promoting ideas of genetic superiority. 

The controversy intensified after Donald Trump publicly supported Sydney, who is reportedly a registered Republican, calling the ad “fantastic.”

The backlash prompted the company to issue a statement, clarifying that the campaign “is and always was about the jeans,” not genetic superiority.

However, until her GQ interview, Sydney had remained silent about the ad, focusing instead on promoting her film Christy.

Two women seated outdoors having a conversation, one wearing jeans and the other in boots, discussing jeans scandal controversy.Image credits: GQ

During the November 4 interview, the Euphoria star was asked multiple times about the ad, including claims that it promoted racist ideas tied to white genetic superiority.

“I just want to give you an opportunity to talk about that specifically,” the interviewer said, as Sydney stared back unemotionally. The star declined to apologize, responding only, “I think that when I have an issue that I want to speak about, people will hear.”

She added, “I did a jean ad. The reaction definitely was a surprise, but I love jeans. All I wear are jeans.”

Sydney Sweeney standing in front of a large American Eagle jeans billboard in an urban setting.Image credits: americaneagle

The response was praised by some as Sydney standing her ground and refusing to validate a meaning they believe was never there. Her critics, however, viewed her comments as confirmation that she is “uneducated” about the US political climate and unwilling to speak out against racism.

Here are some of the best memes inspired by Sydney’s viral reaction.

#1

No Age Limit For A Crown

Meme referencing Sydney Sweeney's interview with a Burger King crown, highlighting the no age limit for a crown joke.

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    #2

    Same Topic, Different Reactions

    Sydney Sweeney making various expressions in a meme about wheels on a shopping cart, from a controversial interview.

    Smearsoftserv Report

    #3

    Meme²

    Two women reacting emotionally while Sydney Sweeney looks unimpressed during a controversial interview turned meme moment.

    avoNCos_play Report

    BrunoVI
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I see cat, I upvote. Even if I only see cat in my mind.

    #4

    What They Really Wanted To Say

    Two women in an outdoor setting with text captions, part of Sydney Sweeney's controversial interview meme.

    avoNCos_play Report

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    #5

    Elon Musk Joins The Conversation

    Screenshot of Sydney Sweeney in a meme from her controversial interview, edited with a Santa hat and holiday text.

    elonmusk Report

    CK
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No, there is a limit of one happy holiday this season due to inflation. New Years is not included.

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    #6

    “What’s The Meaning Behind Your Name?”

    Two women in conversation outdoors, featuring a meme referencing Sydney Sweeney's controversial interview.

    0gm1ke Report

    #7

    And Then, The Internet Worked Its Magic...

    Two women laughing outdoors, depicting Sydney Sweeney's controversial interview turning into a hilarious new meme.

    Smearsoftserv Report

    #8

    Life Imitating Art

    Meme images featuring Sydney Sweeney's controversial interview reactions paired with popular internet meme characters.

    Simplymoon_1 Report

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    #9

    The Exact Same Expression

    Two women in conversation, one smiling and the other serious, referencing Sydney Sweeney's controversial interview meme.

    chinesedonutboy Report

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    #10

    A Lot Can Change In Five Years

    Split image meme showing a woman in 2020 looking distressed and Sydney Sweeney in 2025 with a neutral expression.

    x Report

    #11

    "Watch Me"

    Woman in a red football jersey and beer helmet responding to a conversation, meme inspired by Sydney Sweeney's controversial interview.

    Cindy Paschal Ficklin Report

    #12

    Sydney, The Aristocrat

    Three women in vintage 18th-century attire standing confidently, representing Sydney Sweeney's controversial interview meme.

    LibertyRiff Report

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    #13

    An Unbothered Raccoon

    Split image of a raccoon with facial expression resembling Sydney Sweeney, highlighting a popular funny meme format.

    overseer011 Report

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    #14

    Eye-Tracking Heatmap

    Sydney Sweeney in two interview screenshots with colorful meme-style heatmap overlay effects.

    LordFerpez Report

    #15

    Tip Not Included

    Split image showing a tip selection screen with percentages and Sydney Sweeney during an interview that inspired a viral meme.

    Memenist Report

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    #16

    Mesmerized By Sydney

    Four-panel meme showing Sydney Sweeney with various facial expressions from her controversial interview viral online.

    EuroDale Report

    #17

    We Still Haven’t Figured Out What “6–7” Means Either

    Two-panel meme featuring a confused woman and a serious Sydney Sweeney during a controversial interview conversation.

    x Report

    Nosirrow
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What does it mean? I've been hearing it from my pupils so many times, six seven, six seven. At least it's not as annoying as earlier stupid, meaningless words like sigma.

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    #18

    Millennial vs. Gen-Z Stare

    Sydney Sweeney's controversial interview face turned into a viral hilarious new meme on social media.

    PandasAndVidya Report

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    #19

    A Question That Haunts Sydney At Night

    Sydney Sweeney in a controversial interview with a humorous meme overlay discussing a Lord of the Rings reference.

    frollickingmole Report

    #20

    Sydney Sweeney Has Great Memes

    Meme featuring Sydney Sweeney from her controversial interview, sparking hilarious reactions and viral internet trends.

    Alessandro90947 Report