Sydney Sweeney post about deployed brother draws antisemitic backlash online

Comments included, “I can’t wait for him to be taken captive,” and “He’ll be dead in two weeks for the Jews.”

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

A social media post by actress Sydney Sweeney showing a video call with her deployed brother triggered a surge of antisemitic responses online after users linked the post to her reported relationship with American Jewish producer Scooter Braun.

The Instagram story, shared overnight Thursday, featured Sweeney, 28, speaking with her younger brother, Trent, who is serving in the United States Air Force and is currently deployed overseas amid the war involving Iran. In the post, she wrote: “Receiving calls from my bro always make me happy when he’s deployed. Thinking of all our boys and girls overseas and sending my love! Thank you for your service :).”

Online reaction escalated rapidly, with a number of comments targeting both her brother’s military service and Braun’s Jewish identity.

Several posts circulated widely containing explicit threats and antisemitic language.

Among the responses were statements such as: “She’s dating a Jew–non-Jews will die for him” and “Her brother is going to die for Israel.” Additional comments included: “I can’t wait for him to be taken captive,” and “He’ll be dead in two weeks for the Jews,” accompanied by vomiting emojis.

The backlash followed what had been a personal message expressing support for US service members deployed abroad. The reaction spread across social media platforms, where users amplified the comments.

Trent has served in an Air Force munitions squadron since 2020, according to a report in the New York Post. He was promoted to staff sergeant in August 2025.

The online response emerged against the backdrop of the ongoing war involving Iran, with heightened activity on social media tied to military developments and public figures.