Ruby Rose has blamed Sydney Sweeney for the disappointing box office performance of the biographical film Christy, which opened to just $1.3 million across 2,011 theatres in the US. The film, directed by David Michôd, marks the theatrical distribution debut for Black Bear.
Rose, who was originally attached to the project, took to social media to express her frustration. 'The original Christy Martin script was incredible. Life changing. I was attached to play Cherry,' she wrote on Threads, referring to another role in the film. 'Everyone had experience with the core material. Most of us were actually gay. It’s part of why I stayed in acting.'
She added, 'For her PR to talk about it flopping and saying SS did it for the “people.” None of “the people” want to see someone who hates them, parading around pretending to be us. You’re a cretin and you ruined the film. Period. Christy deserved better.' Rose later apologised for using the word 'cretin', acknowledging it is an ableist term.
Sweeney, who starred as boxer Christy Martin and also served as a producer, has defended the film despite its poor opening. 'Thank you to everyone who saw, felt and believed and will believe in this story for years to come. If Christy gave even one woman the courage to take her first step toward safety, then we will have succeeded,' she wrote on Instagram.
The Euphoria star has also faced recent backlash over an American Eagle advertisement accused of promoting eugenics, but she dismissed the controversy in an interview with GQ, saying she will speak on issues when she has something to say.
