Trolls Target Sydney Sweeney's German Shepherd Branding It 'Nazi Pet' In Bizarre Backlash Over Jeans Ad

Outrage over Sydney Sweeney's American Eagle ad continues to grow, after critics slammed the brand for seemingly referencing eugenics and white supremacy with its "jeans/genes" slogan.

The backlash has now extended to the actress's German Shepherd, Sully Bear, due to the breed's Nazi-era associations.

However, fans and American Eagle have defended Sydney Sweeney, calling the ad playful and harmless, with the company emphasizing the campaign's focus on denim and individuality.

Sweeney is catching heat online after starring in an American Eagle campaign that features the slogan "great jeans." While clearly a nod to denim, some critics interpreted it as a tone-deaf comment on her European heritage.

A few detractors went as far as labeling the campaign "Nazi propaganda," claiming the phrase subtly referenced her ancestry. But the backlash didn't stop there, as it has now reached her dog, Sully Bear.

Sweeney's beloved German Shepherd has suddenly become the target of online hate.

The actress first introduced the rescue pup to her followers in April 2024. Since then, the red-and-black furred canine has made several public appearances, including at a Met Gala afterparty and even on the cover of The Sunday Times Style.

Haters have honed in on the breed's association with Nazi Germany, claiming the dog symbolizes white supremacy.

One user dubbed the German Shepherd "a Nazi pet," while others threw around names like "Swastika Sweeney" and called the breed a "hyper-white-person choice," according to the Daily Mail.

The dog breed was widely used during World War II and was reportedly favored by Nazi leaders, particularly Adolf Hitler, who was known to have owned several.

Despite the negativity, many fans have jumped to Sweeney's defense.

One person wrote, "Don't listen to the haters. People are jealous, so they do what they do best: hate. It will pass, be true to yourself, God bless."

Another added: "Any dog is the best dog, but German shepherds were born with something special."

The controversial campaign featured Sweeney in a series of denim-centered looks.

In one clip, she wears her jeans while reflecting: "Genes are passed down from parents to offspring, often determining traits like hair color, personality, and even eye color... my genes are blue."

Another video adds a cheeky twist. As the camera pans slowly down her body, showcasing a plunging denim jumpsuit, the "Euphoria" actress says, "My body's composition is determined by my genes…" before breaking the fourth wall and snapping, "Hey, eyes up here," as the camera cuts quickly back to her face.

While some interpreted the ad as a cheeky double entendre about denim and DNA, others found deeper and darker implications.

One critic called the campaign "one of the loudest and most obvious racialized dog whistles we've seen and heard in a while."

In response to growing controversy surrounding its latest ad campaign with Sweeney, American Eagle has publicly backed the actress, making it clear that the message behind the ad was never anything more than playful wordplay.

'"Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans' is and always was about the jeans," the company stated via Instagram. "Her jeans, her story," the post continued. "We'll continue to celebrate how everyone wears their AE jeans with confidence, their way. Great jeans look good on everyone."

In a July 23 press release, the company unveiled the full scope of its fall campaign, which also includes a charitable initiative supporting domestic violence organizations.

Jennifer Foyle, president of American Eagle Outfitters, spoke on the direction of the campaign and Sweeney's role in it.

"This fall season, American Eagle is celebrating what makes our brand iconic – trendsetting denim that leads, never follows," Foyle said. "Innovative fits and endless versatility reflect how our community wears their denim: mixed, matched, layered, and lived in."

Foyle also emphasized why Sweeney was the ideal face for the brand. "With Sydney Sweeney front and center, she brings the allure, and we add the flawless wardrobe for the winning combo of ease, attitude, and a little mischief."

While criticism over Sweeney's American Eagle campaign continues to gain traction online, notable individuals are pushing back, including President Donald Trump, who gave the ad his stamp of approval after learning that the actress has been registered as a Republican since 2024.

During a chat with reporters on Sunday evening, one of them brought up Sweeney's party affiliation to the delight of the president.

Trump, who appeared to be surprised, responded: "Now I love her ad."

"You'd be surprised at how many people are Republicans," the 79-year-old continued, per The Blast. "That's what I wouldn't have known, but I'm glad you told me that."

Trump further stated that if Sweeney is genuinely a "registered Republican, I think her ad is fantastic."

Later on, the president took to his social media platform, Truth Social, where he praised the ad some more, while claiming that being "woke is for losers."