United Kingdom, Dec. 6 -- Sydney Sweeney has defended her controversial American Eagle jeans commercial and insisted she is "against hate".

The 28-year-old actress was blasted after starring in the brand's 'Great Jeans' advertisements - which were accused of glorifying her white heritage and physique - but Sydney was shocked that people "assigned motives and labels" to her "that just aren't true".

She told PEOPLE: "I was honestly surprised by the reaction. 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."

Insisting that she always "leads with kindness", Sydney added: "Anyone who knows me knows ...