Sydney Sweeney speaks out against fake female empowerment in Hollywood

Hollywood actress and producer Sydney Sweeney.

Hollywood actress and producer Sydney Sweeney has criticised what she calls "fake" support for female empowerment in the entertainment industry.

In an interview with Vanity Fair, Sweeney addressed comments made earlier this year by Hollywood producer Carol Baum. Baum reportedly said Sweeney is "not pretty" and "can't act."

At the time, Sweeney's team called the remarks "shameful" in a public statement. Now, Sweeney has responded directly, linking the comments to a bigger issue in Hollywood.

"It's upsetting to see women tear each other down," Sweeney said. "You'd think successful women would support younger talent working hard to achieve their dreams. But instead, they try to discredit them."

Sweeney criticised the entertainment industry's claims of female empowerment, calling them a "front."

She said, "All people talk about is 'women empowering other women.' None of it's real. It's all fake, and behind the scenes, it's just insults and negativity."

The actress added that society has long taught women to compete with each other. "We're raised to think only one woman can be at the top. It's a generational problem," she said. "Instead of lifting each other up, women feel like they have to fight or bring someone else down. I don't understand it, and I'm just trying to do my best."

Sweeney, known for her roles in Euphoria and The White Lotus, has earned two Emmy nominations. She is now working on a biopic about boxer Christy Martin.

In October, Sweeney shared her progress on the project, posting on Instagram that she has been training hard to bring the story of "an incredible woman" to life.