Fans Call Out Sydney Sweeney for Bringing Her Dog to NYC

Sydney Sweeney has once again sparked fan backlash — this time for the way she handled her dog when greeting paparazzi in New York City, having gone there to attend the 2025 Met Gala. This criticism against Sweeney comes shortly after the backlash she received over her attire at the annual haute couture event, which fans believed did not adhere to the event’s central theme or dress code.

So why is Sydney Sweeney facing backlash over her dog? Here’s what you need to know.

Sydney Sweeney faces backlash for taking her dog to NYC

Sydney Sweeney is facing backlash because of the way she treated her dog when greeting paparazzi.

The Anyone But You star recently visited New York to attend the Met Gala 2025. One day after the event took place, Sweeney was seen being photographed alongside her dog, a German Shepherd named Sully Bear, outside the Carlyle Hotel in Manhattan.

As Sweeney was being photographed, she picked up her dog and posed along with it. However, the dog started barking as lights flashed over it and Sweeney.

Sweeney momentarily put the dog down but then picked it back up, seemingly ignoring the barking and its turning its head around, as she continued posing for photos.

As such, viewers who saw the whole scenario play out expressed their belief that the dog was stressed and overwhelmed by its surroundings — its feelings likely worsened by paparazzi shouting for Sweeney. They then took to social media to vent their criticism at the Euphoria actress.

“This is awful,” one user commented under the Reddit thread, depicting the event.

“This is so cruel, take that poor baby inside!” another user added.

However, some fans supported or defended Sweeney in the comments.

“This is prepping the dog and getting it accustomed to the flashes so it doesn’t become reactive,” one user commented. They explained that while the Immaculate actress’ actions might be initially confusing, it’s ultimately not cruel.

“Exposure is important for young dogs,” another user added. “The dog will have to get used to lights and crowds of photographers due to their owner.”

Sweeney introduced fans to Sully Bear in an April Instagram post. She called it her “set best friend, bowling partner, nap buddy, mutual water enthusiast, and travel companion.”

Originally reported by Abdul Azim Naushad on ComingSoon.