Sydney Sweeney, the actress known for her role in Euphoria and her recent hit Anyone But You, has called out the “fake” women empowerment narrative within Hollywood, suggesting that many self-proclaimed advocates for women’s success are actually contributing to their downfall. In a candid interview, the 27-year-old actress explained how women in the entertainment industry often undermine each other, creating a toxic environment that contradicts the surface-level messages of empowerment.
Women Empowerment in Hollywood: A Facade
In an interview with Vanity Fair, Sweeney voiced her disillusionment with the state of women’s empowerment in Hollywood, stating that it is “all a front.” She described how older, successful women in the industry frequently tear down younger talent, even when those younger women are working tirelessly to achieve their dreams.
Sydney Sweeney expressed her frustration, saying, “It is very disheartening to see women tear other women down. Especially when women who are successful in other avenues of their industry see younger talent working really hard—hopeful to achieve whatever dreams that they may have—and then trying to bash and discredit any work that they’ve done.”
While Sweeney did not name specific individuals in her comments, it was speculated that she might have been referring to Carol Baum, a renowned producer and professor at USC. Earlier this year, Baum publicly criticized Sweeney, claiming that she didn’t find her attractive or talented. Baum reportedly expressed confusion over the hype surrounding Sweeney’s rise to fame after watching Anyone But You, which only left her more bewildered.
She also mentioned in class discussions that she struggled to understand the appeal of Sweeney’s success, even though one of her students pointed out that casting Sweeney could ensure a project’s success. Baum’s response to this suggestion was revealing: “Who doesn’t want their movies to be greenlit?”
Generational Conditioning and the Race to the Top
Sydney Sweeney went on to explain the deeper issue she believes contributes to the animosity between women in Hollywood. She suggested that the industry’s competitive nature stems from generational conditioning, where women are led to believe there can only be one successful woman at the top. This mindset, she argues, creates unnecessary competition and discourages women from supporting one another.
In her own words, Sweeney stated, “This entire industry, all people say, is ‘Women empowering other women.’ None of it’s happening. All of it is fake and a front for all the other s*** that they say behind everyone’s back.” Her statement underscores the stark contrast between the empowerment rhetoric often seen in public and the underlying tension that women face behind the scenes.
Sweeney’s comments have sparked conversation around the ongoing challenges women encounter in the entertainment industry, where the pressure to succeed can often result in divisive behavior rather than mutual support. The actress highlighted the need for a cultural shift, where women not only fight for their own success but also work together to lift each other up, challenging the notion that only one woman can be successful at a time.
Despite the challenges, Sweeney continues to thrive in her career, with multiple projects lined up, including a biopic about boxing champion Christy Martin, which she was spotted filming last month. Sweeney’s growing body of work speaks to her resilience and determination, even as she navigates the complexities of Hollywood’s competitive landscape.
For more updates on Sydney Sweeney, tune in to Vviptimes.
Sources:
Vanity Fair, The Daily Mail