Sydney Sweeney fans are turning on her after she opened up about feeling judged in Hollywood while wearing a revealing sheer gown onstage.
The backlash began after the Euphoria star, 28, delivered a vulnerable speech about resilience, identity and being underestimated in the industry during Variety’s Power Of Women event at the Beverly Hills Hotel on Wednesday.
‘I’m not a fighter in the ring, but I recognize something of myself in [Christy Martin],’ Sweeney said while discussing her role portraying the trailblazing boxer in her upcoming film Christy.
The actress said Martin’s story – as a gay woman in male-dominated boxing who was victimized by her husband and trainer – resonated deeply with her.
‘I know what it feels like to be underestimated, to have people define you before you’ve had a chance to define yourself. I know what it feels like to have to prove that you deserve to be here, to be seen, to be taken seriously,’ Sweeney said.
‘But every one of us has our own fight, and Christy reminds us all that strength doesn’t look loud sometimes, and sometimes it’s just about getting back up again and again, no matter who’s watching.’
While Sweeney’s speech drew applause in the room, online reaction was far more brutal, with many accusing the actress of contradicting her own message about objectification by wearing a sheer dress that fully exposed her chest.
On Wednesday night, Sydney Sweeney, 28, turned heads in a figure hugging, silver mesh dress which left little to the imagination
‘You’re right. No one knows hardship like a thin, blonde, straight, white woman lol,’ one Instagram user quipped.
Another wrote: ‘After she said she didn’t like when people defined her, she appeared at an event wearing a see-through gown exposing her boobs proving people were right when they defined her.’
‘She’s literally at the Power of Women podium talking about being underestimated while wearing a dress that puts her body on display more than her message. How are we supposed to focus on her words when the first thing being presented is her chest?’ a third asked.
They continued: ‘I’m not shaming her, but this is the wrong setting. This event is supposed to honor strength, substance, and leadership not play into the same visual objectification women have fought against for decades. We deserve better representation of empowerment. She is not it.’
One critic claimed that the more they watched the speech ‘the more ridiculous’ it seemed.
‘Underestimated, defined by others, having to prove your existence… Girl, you are not a marginalized person. You’re a celebrity actress with Aryan features who has never experienced discrimination,’ they scoffed.
Others said Sweeney’s ‘speech wrapped in this dress’ was a ‘joke.’
‘When words and actions don’t align,’ another stressed.
The backlash began after the Euphoria star, 28, delivered a vulnerable speech about resilience, identity and being underestimated in the industry during Variety’s Power Of Women event
While Sweeney’s speech drew applause in the room, online reaction was far more brutal, with many accusing the actress of contradicting her own message about objectification
Not everyone agreed with the backlash, with some fans calling the criticism petty or unjustified.
‘I think it’s hilarious this event is empowerment of women yet 90% of the comments are jealous women hating on her,’ someone wrote beneath Variety’s Instagram video of Sweeney’s speech.
Another commented: ‘Wow the hate comments here are insane. Spread good vibes people. The world has enough hate.’
The two-time Emmy nominee ensured all eyes were on her as she arrived in a figure-hugging, silver mesh dress which left little to the imagination.
‘I know what it feels like to be underestimated, to have people define you before you’ve had a chance to define yourself,’ Sweeney said
The dress, a collaboration by Christian Cowan, 29, and upcoming designer Elias Matso, 23, draped over Sweeney’s curves and showed off the star’s tiny waist by wrapping around her like a wrung-out towel.
The dress was made of crystal mesh which was manipulated on to a steel-boned corset to create a sculptural form of a classic hourglass waist.
While attending the Variety Power of Women: Los Angeles event, Sweeney appeared back in Hollywood’s good graces as she hugged and kissed celebrities, including Sharon Stone and Jamie Lee Curtis.
Earlier this year, she appeared to have fallen out of favor with her fellow stars due to the recent controversies she has faced, from her divisive American Eagle campaign to her status as a registered Republican.
