Sydney Sweeney is speaking out against the criticisms and simple labels that have followed her career. In a recent interview, the actress pushed back against being called a “sex symbol” and addressed rumors about cosmetic procedures. She hopes her stance inspires other women to feel confident without apology. Sweeney’s comments come after a year of intense public debate about her fashion campaigns, political views, and acting choices.
Responding to the “S*x Symbol” Label
Sydney Sweeney says people often mistake her for the bold characters she plays on screen. She feels the public confuses her acting roles with her real personality.
“I play a lot of very divisive characters, and I think that a lot of people think they know me, but they don’t,” Sweeney told Variety. “So when people think, ‘Ah, she’s a s*x symbol,’ or ‘She’s leaning into that,’ I’m like, ‘No, I just feel good and I’m doing it for myself and I feel strong.’”
She sees her personal choices as a form of empowerment, not an invitation for public judgment. Sweeney wants her attitude to encourage others.
“I hope that I can inspire other women to be confident and just flaunt what they got and feel good because you shouldn’t have to apologize or hide or cover up in any room,” she said.
Denying Cosmetic Surgery Rumors
The actress also directly addressed long-running speculation about her appearance. She firmly denied having any cosmetic work done, citing a fear of needles.
“I’ve never gotten anything done. I’m absolutely terrified of needles. No tattoos. Nothing. I’m going to age gracefully,” Sweeney stated.
She commented on online posts that use old photos to suggest she has changed her face, noting the comparisons are unfair. “It’s really funny. I’ll see things online like ‘comparison pictures.’ I’m like, ‘I’m 12 in that photo. Of course I’m going to look different. I have makeup on now and I’m 15 years older,’” she explained.
The pressure to alter her looks is not new. Sweeney revealed that she was told to get Botox as a teenager to succeed in Hollywood. “I have very strong eyebrow muscles. I had someone tell me to fix my face or else I’m not going to make it. I should get Botox. I was 16!” she recalled.
The American Eagle “Jeans” Controversy
Earlier this year, Sweeney found herself at the center of a viral controversy. An ad campaign for American Eagle featuring Sweeney was widely criticized and eventually removed. The ad played on the words “jeans” and “genes,” with Sweeney saying, “Genes are passed down from parents to offspring, often determining traits like hair color, personality and even eye color. My jeans are blue.”
The campaign sparked immediate backlash. Some critics argued the language had undertones of eugenics, a discredited theory co-opted by white supremacists. Others focused on the ad’s highly sexualized nature, questioning its alignment with the campaign’s stated goal of raising domestic violence awareness.
The ad also drew comparisons to a controversial 1980 Calvin Klein ad featuring a 15-year-old Brooke Shields. The discourse became so widespread that political figures, including former President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance, commented on it. In the wake of the controversy, American Eagle released a statement clarifying that the campaign “is and always was about the jeans.”
Navigating Political Speculation
The ad controversy also shifted attention to Sweeney’s personal life and political affiliation. Public voting records revealed that Sweeney is a registered Republican in Florida. This discovery led to assumptions about her support for Donald Trump, though she has never publicly endorsed him.
This is not the first time her family has been linked to political symbolism. In 2022, her mother’s 60th birthday party featured “Make Sixty Great Again” hats, leading to online criticism. Sweeney defended her family at the time, saying the party was being misrepresented.
“You guys this is wild,” she wrote on social media. “An innocent celebration for my mom’s milestone 60th birthday has turned into an absurd political statement, which was not the intention. Please stop making assumptions.”
Proving Her Range Beyond Euphoria
Sweeney has expressed frustration that her dramatic work is sometimes overshadowed by her more sensual scenes. She pointed out the different reactions to her roles in “Euphoria” and “The White Lotus.”
“I’m very proud of my work in ‘Euphoria.’ I thought it was a great performance. But no one talks about it because I got naked,” she told Deadline. “I do ‘The White Lotus’ and all of a sudden critics are paying attention.”
She continues to take on challenging roles to demonstrate her versatility. For the boxing biopic “Christy,” where she plays pioneer Christy Martin, Sweeney underwent a significant physical transformation, gaining significant muscle mass. She has said the role was personally empowering.
“It taught me a lot about myself, actually, throughout the entire process,” Sweeney shared at a screening. “She taught me how to stand up for myself more and feel stronger in my personal life and my work life.”
Despite some critics labeling the film “Oscar bait,” Sweeney’s performance has been praised. Reviews have called it “powerful” and noted her “deeply committed” portrayal.
Looking to the Future
On the professional front, Sweeney’s upcoming projects are varied. She has several films in the pipeline, including “The Housemaid” and “Barbarella,” and is expected to return for the third season of “Euphoria.” She is also expanding her role behind the camera, working as a producer on four upcoming projects.
When asked about rumors of her being considered for the next James Bond film, Sweeney played it cool but expressed strong interest. “I don’t know all the Bond rumours, but I’ve always been a huge fan of the franchise,” she said, adding, “I think I’d have more fun as James Bond.”
Also Read: Sydney Sweeney Prefers Playing James Bond Over Being a Bond Girl
