• by Tanya Gazdik , Yesterday

Actress Sydney Sweeney declined to discuss her controversial American Eagle advertising at the time. But now that’s she promoting a movie about boxing, the (theoretical) gloves have come off. 

“In a video interview with GQ, Sweeney addressed the controversy, and the response of Donald Trump,” according to Creative Bloq. “Well, addressed is a strong word – while GQ's Katherine Stoeffel attempts to engage Sweeney on whether ‘white people shouldn't joke about genetic superiority,’ the actress refuses to apologize.” 

The reaction to her deflection has been mixed. 

“The red carpet was rolled out for her as generously and explicitly as possible to address the criticisms, and specifically accusations of racism, and she tripled down," one Redditor complains, while another adds, "Sydney tries to come off like she is bigger than the online chatter going on, but unfortunately she comes off as privileged and wilfully ignorant.”

The movie is thus far a flop, and some are speculating that Sweeney’s politics are at least partially to blame. 

“Christy” lands in the top 10 for worst box office openings among films released in at least 2,000 theaters, according to Box Office Mojo. The film was released at 2,011 theaters nationwide, earning just $1.3 million, which is around $647 per theater.

“The reason behind these numbers is unclear, especially as critics have offered solid support, with Rotten Tomatoes rating the movie at 67% on its ‘Tomatometer,’” according to Mass Live. 

After posting a heartfelt message on her Instagram about the film, Sweeney received backlash in the post’s comment section from users who cited her political affiliations and past controversies.

Sweeney has had her fair share of negative press, even before the recent controversy.

“In 2022, she faced similar outrage when pictures emerged of guests sporting Maga-style caps at her mother’s 60th birthday party,” according to The Guardian. “How does she feel about that? ‘I think what’s interesting is I’m always myself. I’m always just me. But it’s what other people put on me that’s uncontrollable. Like you’re going to write this article … Then people will read it and have their own perception. So I try and be as much of me as possible, but it’s always through other people’s lenses.’”