Sydney Sweeney has raised a critical voice against the supposed message of women empowering women in Hollywood, suggesting it’s more of a façade than reality. In a recent interview with Vanity Fair for its 2025 Hollywood Issue, the 27-year-old actress responded to producer Carol Baum’s disparaging comments about her looks and acting talent. “In this entire industry, people constantly talk about ‘Women empowering other women,’ but it’s simply not happening. It’s all a charade, a front for the backhanded remarks and insincerities that are said behind closed doors,” Sweeney declared.
Sweeney, known for her roles in “Euphoria” and “The White Lotus,” lamented the tendency of women to undermine one another, especially when more established figures in the industry observe promising younger talents striving to realize their ambitions. She characterized this behavior as a “generational issue” rooted in the belief that there’s only room for one woman to succeed at the top. “There’s always that one woman who can snag the leading man or dominate in her field, creating this competitive climate where others feel compelled to pull her down instead of choosing to support one another,” she added.
The actress contemplates the reasons behind this rivalry but admits she has yet to unravel the complexities of it, noting, “I’m still trying to understand why I’m under attack.” Baum, a prominent Hollywood figure, previously stirred controversy for critiquing Sweeney’s performance and looks, labeling her film “Anyone But You” as “unwatchable” and dismissing her appeal altogether, questioning why she garners so much attention.
Sweeney’s representation took issue with Baum’s comments, stating, “It’s disheartening that someone of Baum’s stature chooses to attack another woman instead of fostering growth and support. If she believes that kind of disparagement is an appropriate lesson for her students, it speaks volumes about her character.” Following the backlash, Baum expressed regret over her public disparagement of Sweeney.
The actress’s remarks shed light on the undercurrent of competition among women in the entertainment industry, echoing a dire need for genuine solidarity instead of superficial acknowledgment. While seeking to find her footing in a challenging environment, Sweeney ultimately questions, “Why am I facing such hostility?”
