Sydney Sweeney Speaks Out on “Fake Feminism” in Hollywood

The Immaculate star calls out the entertainment industry for its performative support of women, while facing harsh criticism from peers behind closed doors.

Sydney Sweeney is challenging the sincerity of Hollywood’s “women empowering women” mantra, arguing that support for female talent is often just a facade. In an interview with Vanity Fair, Sweeney opened up about her disappointment with the industry’s double standards and how seasoned professionals sometimes undermine emerging talent instead of lifting them up.

“It’s very disheartening to see women tear other women down,” she shared. “Especially when established figures in the industry see younger talent working hard to achieve their dreams and then go out of their way to discredit them. All we ever hear is ‘women empowering other women,’ but in reality, it’s just a front.”

Sweeney also commented on the generational belief that only one woman can be successful at a time, saying, “It’s like there’s this idea that one woman can get the man or one woman can be successful, and that leaves everyone else fighting to be her, instead of lifting each other up. I’m just trying my best out here, but why am I being attacked?”

The star’s remarks come amid criticism from Hollywood producer Carol Baum, who recently spoke disparagingly of Sweeney’s looks and acting ability. Baum reportedly told her class at USC that she didn’t understand Sweeney’s popularity, describing her recent film Anyone But You as “unwatchable” and questioning the actress’s appeal. Despite her personal opinions, Baum admitted that if Sweeney’s casting were the key to getting a project greenlit, few in the industry would walk away.

Sweeney’s comments shed light on the complexities young female stars face, caught between public praise and private criticism, in an industry that may not fully support the sisterhood it promotes.