Sydney Sweeney told PEOPLE she was caught off guard by the backlash surrounding American Eagle’s denim campaign last summer, in which she starred.

Fans and others on social media claimed the ad, featuring the 28-year-old “ Christy ” star, had racist connotations shortly after the ad was released.

The clothing company launched the campaign, called “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans,” on July 23, with the then-27-year-old “ Euphoria ” star as the spokesperson.

“I was honestly surprised by the reaction,” Sweeney told PEOPLE on Friday. “I did it because I love the jeans and love the brand. I don’t support the views some people chose to connect to the campaign. Many have assigned motives and labels to me that just aren’t true.”

The campaign was intended to be a celebration of “making c

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