Sydney Sweeney is known for her powerful roles on screen, but recently, she found herself in the spotlight for a different reason. After paparazzi photos of the actress in a bikini went viral, Sweeney faced a barrage of negative comments about her appearance. Undeterred, she hit back with a message of strength and resilience.
The Hollywood star, who gained fame with HBO’s Euphoria, has been no stranger to public scrutiny, especially concerning her looks. Now 27, Sweeney is preparing for her new role as boxer Christy Martin, which required intensive physical training. However, her transformed physique became the subject of harsh criticism from online users after candid photos surfaced. Comments ranged from labeling her as ‘frumpy’ to a mere ‘five,’ sparking a conversation about unrealistic beauty standards.
In an assertive response, Sweeney posted a video on Instagram showcasing those harsh words followed by clips of her intense training routine. Her choice of role is significant; Christy Martin, the athlete she is set to portray, survived a brutal attack by her husband, which added a layer of inspiration for Sweeney’s preparation. Sweeney’s defiance in the face of body shaming highlights the rigid standards imposed on women, even those who seemingly conform to societal ideals.
Writer Zeynab Mohamed noted the ‘double bind’ women face, where they are criticized whether they appear polished on social media or are caught candidly. Unlike their female counterparts, male celebrities often escape such scrutiny, as evidenced by favorable reactions to less-than-perfect pictures of stars like Chris Hemsworth.
@ameliamontooth sorry no thanks i hate that actually #sydneysweeney #wlw #lgbt
♬ original sound – Amelia
Journalist Helen Coffey reflected on the seeming delight some take in watching women ‘fall from grace,’ pointing out that attacks on Sweeney underscored a deeper issue of control over women’s bodies. Similarly, Salon’s Nardos Hailey called attention to how figures like Margot Robbie, despite fitting conventional beauty standards, face similar attacks when failing to meet impossible expectations.
Vogue’s Hayley Maitland argued that reaffirming Sweeney’s attractiveness only perpetuates misogyny, insisting that physical appearance should not define women. This sentiment was further echoed by writer Liz Plank, who attributed male critics’ harshness to social media algorithms and incel culture perpetuating harmful narratives against women.
TikTok influencer @ida_que commented on society’s distorted view of beauty due to social media’s constant stream of idealized images, reminding audiences of the rarity of encountering unpolished views of celebrities. Fellow TikToker Amelia Montooth warned against regressing to an era where discussions of women’s bodies focused primarily on weight and perfection, calling for a shift in how society perceives women beyond their appearance.
Despite the backlash, Sydney Sweeney remains unshaken and ready to continue her career with both determination and talent. Her story is a testament to the ongoing struggle women face in meeting societal beauty standards, showcasing the need for a broader acceptance of diverse body types and realness. As Sweeney takes on her challenging new role, she does so with the hope of moving the conversation beyond appearances and towards recognizing the strength and capabilities of women.
