Outrage over Sydney Sweeney‘s American Eagle advert continues to develop, after critics slammed the model for seemingly referencing eugenics and white supremacy with its “denims/genes” slogan.
The backlash has now prolonged to the actress’s German Shepherd, Sully Bear, because of the breed’s Nazi-era associations.
Nevertheless, followers and American Eagle have defended Sydney Sweeney, calling the advert playful and innocent, with the corporate emphasizing the marketing campaign’s concentrate on denim and individuality.
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Sydney Sweeney’s German Shepherd Will get Dragged Into American Eagle Advert Backlash
Sweeney is catching warmth on-line after starring in an American Eagle marketing campaign that options the slogan “nice denims.” Whereas clearly a nod to denim, some critics interpreted it as a tone-deaf touch upon her European heritage.
A couple of detractors went so far as labeling the marketing campaign “Nazi propaganda,” claiming the phrase subtly referenced her ancestry. However the backlash did not cease there, because it has now reached her canine, Sully Bear.
Sweeney’s beloved German Shepherd has abruptly turn out to be the goal of on-line hate.
The actress first launched the rescue pup to her followers in April 2024. Since then, the red-and-black furred canine has made a number of public appearances, together with at a Met Gala afterparty and even on the duvet of The Sunday Occasions Type.
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The Actress’s Pup Was Labeled ‘Nazi Canine’ Due To Its German Roots And Historical past
Haters have honed in on the breed’s affiliation with Nazi Germany, claiming the canine symbolizes white supremacy.
One consumer dubbed the German Shepherd “a Nazi pet,” whereas others threw round names like “Swastika Sweeney” and known as the breed a “hyper-white-person selection,” in line with the Each day Mail.
Regardless of the negativity, many followers have jumped to Sweeney’s protection.
One individual wrote, “Do not hearken to the haters. Persons are jealous, so that they do what they do greatest: hate. It’ll move, be true to your self, God bless.”
One other added: “Any canine is the very best canine, however German shepherds had been born with one thing particular.”
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Sydney Sweeney’s ‘Nice Denims’ Advert Sparks Debate Over Alleged Eugenics References
The controversial marketing campaign featured Sweeney in a sequence of denim-centered appears.
In a single clip, she wears her denims whereas reflecting: “Genes are handed down from mother and father to offspring, usually figuring out traits like hair shade, persona, and even eye shade… my genes are blue.”
One other video provides a cheeky twist. Because the digicam pans slowly down her physique, showcasing a plunging denim jumpsuit, the “Euphoria” actress says, “My physique’s composition is decided by my genes…” earlier than breaking the fourth wall and snapping, “Hey, eyes up right here,” because the digicam cuts shortly again to her face.
Whereas some interpreted the advert as a cheeky double entendre about denim and DNA, others discovered deeper and darker implications.
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One critic known as the marketing campaign “one of many loudest and most blatant racialized canine whistles we have seen and heard shortly.”
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American Eagle Stands By Sydney Sweeney Amid Advert Controversy: ‘Her Denims, Her Story’

In response to rising controversy surrounding its newest advert marketing campaign with Sweeney, American Eagle has publicly backed the actress, making it clear that the message behind the advert was by no means something greater than playful wordplay.
‘”Sydney Sweeney Has Nice Denims’ is and all the time was in regards to the denims,” the corporate acknowledged through Instagram. “Her denims, her story,” the put up continued. “We’ll proceed to have a good time how everybody wears their AE denims with confidence, their approach. Nice denims look good on everybody.”
In a July 23 press launch, the corporate unveiled the total scope of its fall marketing campaign, which additionally features a charitable initiative supporting home violence organizations.
Jennifer Foyle, president of American Eagle Outfitters, spoke on the course of the marketing campaign and Sweeney’s function in it.
“This fall season, American Eagle is celebrating what makes our model iconic – trendsetting denim that leads, by no means follows,” Foyle stated. “Progressive suits and infinite versatility mirror how our neighborhood wears their denim: combined, matched, layered, and lived in.”
Foyle additionally emphasised why Sweeney was the best face for the model. “With Sydney Sweeney entrance and middle, she brings the attract, and we add the flawless wardrobe for the successful combo of ease, perspective, and just a little mischief.”
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Trump Labeled The Advert ‘Implausible’ After Studying Of The Actress’s Celebration Affiliation

Whereas criticism over Sweeney’s American Eagle marketing campaign continues to achieve traction on-line, notable people are pushing again, together with President Donald Trump, who gave the advert his stamp of approval after studying that the actress has been registered as a Republican since 2024.
Throughout a chat with reporters on Sunday night, one in all them introduced up Sweeney’s occasion affiliation to the delight of the president.
Trump, who gave the impression to be stunned, responded: “Now I like her advert.”
“You would be stunned at how many individuals are Republicans,” the 79-year-old continued, per The Blast. “That is what I would not have identified, however I am glad you advised me that.”
Trump additional acknowledged that if Sweeney is genuinely a “registered Republican, I feel her advert is incredible.”
Afterward, the president took to his social media platform, Reality Social, the place he praised the advert some extra, whereas claiming that being “woke is for losers.”
