Hollywood actress Sydney Sweeney finds herself at the centre of a growing storm within the entertainment industry as her political affiliations and advertising choices spark widespread criticism from colleagues and fans alike.
Celebrity Backlash and Growing Feuds
The 28-year-old Euphoria star has faced mounting disapproval from fellow A-listers since her Republican views and controversial American Eagle jeans advertisement came to light. Among those reportedly distancing themselves from the actress are prominent stars including Zendaya and Aimee Lou Wood, who have been slowly turning their backs on their former colleague.
The situation escalated recently when Ruby Rose became the latest celebrity to join the criticism. The Orange Is The New Black star launched a blistering takedown of Sweeney on social media, specifically targeting her role in the new biopic Christy, which follows the life of esteemed boxer and domestic abuse survivor Christy Martin.
In her online rant, Rose claimed she was originally attached to play the lead role and alleged that the original production team was nearly entirely queer. She went further to accuse Sweeney of hating gay people and declared that the actress had ruined the film.
Professional Fallout and Box Office Disappointment
The controversy comes as Sweeney's latest film suffers a significant commercial setback. Christy experienced one of the lowest ever domestic openings for a wide release, grossing a meager $1.3 million from 2,011 theatres. This translates to an average of just $649 per venue, placing it among the top twelve worst-performing films shown on more than 2,000 screens.
Despite the criticism from Rose and others, the real Christy Martin has publicly supported Sweeney's portrayal, joining her at multiple promotional events throughout the film's marketing campaign. The boxer, who achieved 49 wins during her celebrated career in the 1990s, has thrown her weight behind the actress's performance.
Political Tensions and Industry Relationships
The Mail on Sunday recently revealed that Sweeney's political views have sparked a bitter feud with Euphoria co-star Zendaya. Sources indicate the 29-year-old actress has been upset by Sweeney's support for President Trump and is reportedly refusing to participate in press calls for the upcoming third season of Euphoria alongside her.
An insider close to the production explained the delicate situation: "It's no wonder she's refusing to do it. It's a difficult position for Zendaya to be in because if she even stands next to Sydney on the red carpet, it can be read as her excusing Sydney's views on Trump and her refusal to apologise for the racist ad."
The pair were once close friends, with Sweeney affectionately referring to her co-star as 'Z'. However, their relationship appears to have soured significantly since Sweeney's political leanings became public knowledge.
Controversial Advertising Campaign
The American Eagle jeans advertisement that sparked additional controversy faced accusations of promoting racial dog whistling due to a pun linking 'jeans' and 'genes'. Critics argued the campaign echoed eugenicist language around 'good genes' and 'genetic superiority', suggesting it appealed to right-wing and white-nationalist groups online.
When given the opportunity to address claims that the ad condoned 'genetic superiority', Sweeney offered a vague response that neither defended nor apologised for the campaign. She stated: "I think that when I have an issue that I want to speak about, people will hear."
Her comments drew criticism from fellow The White Lotus star Aimee Lou Wood, who responded to footage of the GQ interview with a green nauseated-face emoji. British actor Dan Stevens also weighed in, resharing a post that read: "Sydney Sweeney's GQ interview is a reminder that 'not having a stance' on white supremacy is 100% having a stance on white supremacy."
Speaking to GQ about the backlash, Sweeney minimised her involvement, stating: "I did a jean ad. The reaction definitely was a surprise, but I love jeans. All I wear are jeans. I'm literally in jeans and a T-shirt every day of my life."
Personal Life Controversies
Adding to the controversies surrounding the actress, Sweeney has recently been linked to music mogul Scooter Braun, known for his highly publicised feud with Taylor Swift. The pair reportedly met while attending the Venice wedding of billionaire Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez in June, with sources claiming Braun has been 'pursuing' her ever since.
This connection has angered Swift's devoted fanbase, given Braun's purchase of the singer's musical masters in a deal reportedly worth more than $300 million. Swift subsequently re-recorded several albums and eventually bought back the rights to all her music for a reported $360 million earlier this year.
Sweeney's Response to Criticism
Despite the mounting criticism from multiple fronts, Sweeney appears largely unfazed by the backlash. In a recent interview with The Guardian, she addressed the ongoing controversies, stating: "I think what's interesting is I'm always myself. I'm always just me. But it's what other people put on me that's uncontrollable."
She elaborated on her perspective regarding public perception: "Like you're going to write this article... Then people will read it and have their own perception. So I try and be as much of me as possible, but it's always through other people's lenses."
Regarding her approach to the intense physical demands of her role in Christy, Sweeney revealed to The Sun that she suffered actual injuries during filming, including a bloody nose and a concussion. She explained her commitment to authenticity: "When I walked in and I met with everyone, I said, 'I want you to hit me. And I want you to hit me hard. And can I hit you?' When you watch all those fights, we're actually hitting each other."
As the controversies continue to unfold, the entertainment industry watches closely to see how these professional and personal challenges will impact Sweeney's career trajectory and relationships within Hollywood.
