Sweeney says female solidarity in Hollywood is ‘fake’

Sydney Sweeney, the star of Anyone But You, Euphoria, and The White Lotus, has boldly called out the concept of women supporting each other in Hollywood, describing it as “fake.” In a candid interview with Vanity Fair, the actress reflected on the industry’s well-publicized mantra of “women empowering other women,” only to dismiss it as a facade.

“None of it’s happening,” Sweeney stated. “All of it is fake and a front for all the other [stuff] that they say behind everyone’s back.” Her comments echo a growing sentiment within Hollywood that, despite public advocacy for women’s empowerment, toxic behaviors such as backstabbing and undermining remain prevalent.

Sweeney’s words came in the wake of a particularly disheartening incident earlier this year when a Hollywood producer made derogatory remarks about her. The producer, Carol Baum, known for producing films like Dead Ringers and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, criticized Sweeney’s talents in a public forum. Baum, during a film screening, disparaged the actress, calling her “not pretty” and questioning her acting ability, asking, “Why is she so hot?”

For Sweeney, this kind of criticism is particularly painful when it comes from other women in the industry. In her Vanity Fair interview, the actress explained, “It’s 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 – hoping to achieve whatever dreams that they may have – and then trying to bash and discredit any work that they’ve done.” She pointed to the broader cultural context, suggesting that women in Hollywood are pitted against one another, as though there is only room for one at the top.

Sweeney’s rise to stardom has been rapid, but not without challenges. As one of Hollywood’s breakout stars in recent years, her experiences have given her a unique perspective on the systemic issues within the entertainment industry. Reflecting on the underlying reasons behind such behavior, Sweeney identified a generational problem that goes beyond individual actions. “I’ve read that our entire lives, we were raised – and it’s a generational problem – to believe only one woman can be at the top,” she said. “There’s one woman who can get the man. There’s one woman who can be, I don’t know, anything.”

Sweeney noted that this belief leads to a competitive, rather than supportive, environment for women in Hollywood. “So then all the others feel like they have to fight each other or take that one woman down instead of being like, let’s all lift each other up,” she added. The actress expressed her frustration with the idea that women feel the need to compete for limited opportunities, rather than support each other’s success.

The tension between women in Hollywood has been well-documented over the years, with many actresses noting the barriers they face in a male-dominated industry. Sweeney’s perspective on this problem is particularly poignant, as she navigates the challenges of being a young, successful actress in an environment that often pits women against each other. Despite the obstacles, she remains committed to her career and continues to seek understanding about why she is being attacked.

“I’m still trying to figure it out. I’m just trying my best over here. Why am I getting attacked?” she remarked, highlighting the confusion and emotional toll that such public criticism can have on someone trying to make a mark in the industry.

The incident with Carol Baum wasn’t the first time Sweeney has faced criticism in Hollywood. In April, following the screening of Anyone But You, Baum made her remarks about Sweeney’s appearance and acting ability, expressing confusion over her popularity. Baum said to her class, “There’s an actress who everybody loves now – Sydney Sweeney. I don’t get Sydney Sweeney. I was watching on the plane Sydney Sweeney’s movie because I wanted to know who she is and why everybody’s talking about her. I watched this unwatchable movie – sorry to people who love this… romantic comedy where they hate each other.”

Baum’s comments continued with her questioning Sweeney’s appeal, saying, “She’s not pretty, she can’t act. Why is she so hot?” Baum’s harsh words sparked backlash, with many criticizing her for tearing down a fellow woman in the industry. In response, Sweeney’s representative issued a statement to Variety, calling out Baum for using her position to undermine another woman’s success. “How sad that a woman in the position to share her expertise and experience chooses instead to attack another woman,” the representative said.

Despite the challenges, Sweeney’s star continues to rise, and her comments on the industry’s issues have sparked a broader conversation about the treatment of women in Hollywood. Her candidness about the “fake” female solidarity in the industry resonates with many who have experienced similar dynamics in their own careers. As Sweeney continues to navigate her career, her openness about these issues has prompted many to reflect on the need for genuine support and solidarity among women in all fields.