Jennifer Lawrence is at the center of controversy after revealing that she has rehomed her chihuahua, Princess Pippi Longstocking.
For those who don’t know, the move came after an incident in which a dog bit her young son. The Hunger Games star, 35, discussed the situation during a screening of her film My love dies In New York City on Wednesday, she joked that the sting made her want to “erase every dog.”
“After I had a baby, my dogs became very scary,” she said, noting that the animals now live with their parents.
However, her fans online found it insulting, with many expressing their disappointment in Lawrence’s handling of the situation and her choice of words.
“Don’t get rid of your dog just because you have kids, learn to teach your kids to respect your pet. Wow, I really don’t like her now,” one Instagram user wrote under a clip he shared and! news.
Another echoed these sentiments, writing: “YIKES…this is so disappointing,” while others stressed the importance of responsible pet ownership, sharing personal experiences with children and dogs, and urged Lawrence to “do better.”
Critics also took issue with Lawrence’s rude language. “Using such a huge platform to normalize abandoning a dog after a preventable accident, and talk about eliminating dogs, is alarming,” one wrote.
Another added: “Even if you didn’t mean it would hurt a dog, that language belittles their lives and can have real consequences for animals.”
However, some defended Lawrence, emphasizing parental responsibility and safety. “If her dogs feel unsafe around children, we shouldn’t judge them. Parents should always prioritize their children’s safety,” wrote one social media user who identified as a dog trainer and shelter founder.