Sydney Sweeney Criticizes Hollywood's 'False' Portrayal of Female Empowerment

Hollywood luminary Sydney Sweeney has vociferously criticized what she perceives as "illusory" declarations of female empowerment within the entertainment realm. Her remarks, captured in an interview with Vanity Fair on Wednesday, were a direct response to earlier notorious comments by Hollywood producer Carol Baum, who derogatorily claimed Sweeney is "not pretty" and "lacks acting prowess." Sweeney’s representatives had swiftly condemned these remarks as "disgraceful."

Now, the actress and producer has personally addressed the issue, linking the demeaning comments to a broader malaise plaguing the industry. "It’s profoundly disheartening to witness women undermining each other, particularly when accomplished women in their fields observe younger talent striving diligently to realize their aspirations, only to then attempt to undermine and invalidate their achievements," Sweeney articulated.

"The industry incessantly touts 'women empowering women.' In reality, it’s all a façade, a mere veneer masking the malicious gossip that permeates behind closed doors," she asserted. "Various studies and differing perspectives exist on the underlying causes," she added.

"I’ve read that throughout our lives, and generationally, we've been conditioned to believe that only one woman can reign supreme. One woman gets the man, one woman can be anything remarkable," Sweeney remarked. "Consequently, others feel compelled to compete or tear down that solitary woman instead of collectively elevating each other. I’m still deciphering it myself, just endeavoring to do my utmost. Why am I the target of such attacks?"

Sweeney, whose performances in "Euphoria" and "The White Lotus" garnered her two Emmy nods, is presently engrossed in a biopic about iconic boxer Christy Martin. She offered an update on the project via Instagram in October.

In her post, Sweeney mentioned that she has "been deeply engaged in training to vividly portray the narrative of an extraordinary woman." She included two images from the set, donning a red muscle tee that highlighted her physical transformation, complemented by a 90s-inspired curly hairstyle.

In her caption, Sweeney extolled Martin—revered as the most accomplished female pugilist and a vanguard for women’s inclusion in boxing—as a "true champion who waged battles both inside and outside the ring.