Sydney Sweeney isn’t mincing words when it comes to the Hollywood narrative of women empowering women. For the “Anyone But You” actress, that ideal doesn’t reflect the reality of an industry driven by competition and backstabbing.
In a sharp critique of the status quo, Sweeney declared, “All of it is fake and a front for all the other s**t that they say behind everyone’s back.” Her words follow a publicized attack from veteran producer Carol Baum earlier this year, who left no doubt about her feelings toward Sweeney’s rising star.
A Scathing Review from Hollywood’s Old Guard
Carol Baum, known for producing classics like Father of the Bride and Dead Ringers, made headlines with her unprovoked critique of Sweeney. Speaking to her class at USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, Baum questioned the actress’s appeal, saying, “I said to my class, ‘Explain this girl to me. She’s not pretty, she can’t act. Why is she so hot?’ Nobody had an answer.”
Adding fuel to the fire, Baum described Sweeney’s recent film Anyone But You as “unwatchable.” She confessed, “I was watching on the plane Sydney Sweeney’s movie [‘Anyone but You’] because I wanted to watch it. 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.”
Sweeney’s team didn’t let the comments slide. A representative fired back, stating, “How sad that a woman in the position to share her expertise and experience chooses instead to attack another woman. To unjustly disparage a fellow female producer speaks volumes about Ms. Baum’s character.”
Sweeney Speaks Out: “This Entire Industry Is Fake”
Sweeney later opened up about Baum’s comments in an interview with Vanity Fair. Reflecting on the experience, she shared her disappointment in the culture of Hollywood. “It’s very disheartening to see women tear other women down,” she said. “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.”
Sweeney didn’t hold back in her broader assessment of Hollywood’s culture. “This entire industry, all people say is ‘women empowering other women.’ None of it’s happening,” she emphasized. “All of it is fake and a front for all the other s**t that they say behind everyone’s back.”
A Generational Problem?
Sweeney, along with other stars like Anne Hathaway and Jennifer Lawrence, has noticed a troubling pattern in the entertainment industry.
Sweeney explained, “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. There’s one woman who can get the man. There’s one woman who can be, I don’t know, anything.”
This mentality, Sweeney suggested, fuels competition rather than camaraderie. “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, “I’m still trying to figure it out. I’m just trying my best over here. Why am I getting attacked?”
Brushing Off Criticism With Grace
Sweeney has weathered her fair share of public scrutiny, including an attempt to cancel her in 2022 when photos surfaced of guests at her mother’s 60th birthday party wearing “Make America Great Again”-inspired hats and a “blue lives matter” shirt.
At the time, Sweeney dismissed the controversy with a level-headed response: “You guys, this is wild. 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. Much love to everyone and Happy Birthday Mom!”
Is Hollywood Ready for Change?
Sydney Sweeney’s candor shines a spotlight on the darker side of the entertainment industry. While many preach about empowerment and unity, Sweeney’s experience suggests there’s still a long way to go. With more voices like hers speaking up, perhaps Hollywood will one day embrace the ideals it so often claims to champion.
