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.

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 number 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 grow 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.

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 referred to as the breed a “hyper-white-person alternative,” based on the Day by day Mail.

Regardless of the negativity, many followers have jumped to Sweeney’s protection.

One individual wrote, “Do not take heed to the haters. Individuals are jealous, in order 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 have been born with one thing particular.”

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 coloration, character, and even eye coloration… my genes are blue.”

One other video provides a cheeky twist. Because the digital camera 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 digital camera 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.

One critic referred to as the marketing campaign “one of many loudest and most evident racialized canine whistles we have seen and heard shortly.”

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 by way of Instagram. “Her denims, her story,” the submit continued. “We’ll proceed to have fun 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 complete 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 mentioned. “Modern matches and infinite versatility mirror how our neighborhood wears their denim: blended, matched, layered, and lived in.”

Foyle additionally emphasised why Sweeney was the best face for the model. “With Sydney Sweeney entrance and heart, she brings the attract, and we add the flawless wardrobe for the profitable combo of ease, angle, and a bit of mischief.”