ALEXANDER CITY — The media is attempting to get actress Sydney Sweeney to apologize for "being white," according to conservative activist Riley Gaines.

Gaines, a former University of Kentucky swimmer, spoke to about 300 attendees of a Tallapoosa County Republican Party dinner on Thursday about her journey from collegiate swimming to conservative activism after having to compete against a male swimmer in NCAA women's swimming events.

After graduating, she became involved in advocating for anti-transgender and pro-women's sports legislation. Gaines discussed some of the legal, legislative, and cultural victories conservatives have accomplished on those issues in recent years. 

Gaines also referenced a recent GQ interview with Sweeney, in which the actress declined to apologize for an American Eagle advertisement she appeared in that referenced her having "good jeans."

The advertisement led to backlash from the far left, claiming it was promoting eugenics. 

Gaines said the Sweeney interview "leaves me feeling hopeful."

"I don't know if you've seen the videos even circulating today of Sydney Sweeney," Gaines said during her speech. "They really desperately tried to get her to apologize for, like, being white and having blonde hair and blue eyes, which she basically said, 'No, this is not a conversation I'm going to engage in. You're not going to make me back down from doing an ad that was harmless, that promoted jeans.' It's a jean company. It leaves me feeling hopeful."

To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email [email protected].

Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.

CMP Article Bottom Fishers Farm730 JH Outback