Sydney Sweeney, the Emmy-nominated star of Euphoria and The White Lotus, has shaken up Hollywood with her blunt criticism of the entertainment industry’s so-called “women empowering women” mantra. In a candid interview for Vanity Fair’s 2025 Hollywood Issue, the 27-year-old actress described the industry’s solidarity as a façade, highlighting the hypocrisy and cutthroat competition among women in the business.
Her statements sparked widespread discussion, shedding light on the pressures young actors face and the damaging power dynamics in Hollywood. Let’s unpack Sweeney’s perspective and what it reveals about the entertainment world.
Sydney Sweeney has shared her thoughts on Hollywood’s “women empowering women” stance. Credit: Stephane Cardinale – Corbis / Getty
Sydney Sweeney: Rising Star in a Competitive Industry
Sweeney’s rise to fame has been meteoric. Her roles as Cassie Howard in Euphoria and Olivia Mossbacher in The White Lotus showcased her talent, earning her Emmy nominations and making her one of Hollywood’s most sought-after young actors.
In her interview, Sweeney reflected on the toxic culture she’s observed:
“It’s very disheartening to see women tear other women down. Especially when women who are successful in other avenues of their industry see younger talent working really hard… and then try to bash and discredit any work that they’ve done.”
Despite her success, Sweeney admitted she’s still navigating the challenges of being a young woman in a competitive industry, saying, “I’m just trying my best over here. Why am I getting attacked?”
The Hypocrisy of “Women Empowering Women”
Sweeney’s remarks call out the hollowness of Hollywood’s often-touted support among women. She argued that the culture of women lifting each other up is often just “fake and a front for all the other s**t they say behind everyone’s back.”
The Root of the Problem
Sweeney attributes this behavior to a “generational problem,” where the belief persists that only one woman can succeed in any given space.
“There’s one woman who can get the man. There’s one woman who can be, I don’t know, anything. So then all the others feel like they have to fight each other or take that one woman down instead of being like, ‘Let’s all lift each other up.’”
This scarcity mindset perpetuates rivalries, making it harder for women to genuinely support one another in an already challenging industry.
A Personal Battle with Criticism
Sweeney’s statements come months after facing harsh criticism from veteran producer Carol Baum. During an event, Baum openly criticized Sweeney, saying she was “not pretty” and “can’t act.” These comments, which many viewed as unnecessarily harsh and unprofessional, highlighted the exact issues Sweeney spoke about in her interview.
Sydney Sweeney. Credit: Daniele Venturelli / Getty
Sweeney’s Response to the Backlash
The Euphoria star’s team responded firmly, stating:
“How sad that a woman in the position to share her expertise and experience chooses instead to attack another woman. To unjustly disparage a fellow female producer speaks volumes about Ms. Baum’s character.”
Baum later expressed regret for her remarks, telling TMZ that she shouldn’t have made those comments. However, the damage was already done, sparking a broader conversation about why successful women often feel the need to tear others down.
The Bigger Picture: Power Dynamics Among Women in Hollywood
Sweeney’s experience is far from unique. Hollywood has a long history of pitting women against each other, fostering competition over limited opportunities.
Why Do Women Face These Issues?
- Scarcity Mentality: With fewer roles and opportunities historically available to women, competition becomes fierce.
- Generational Conditioning: Older generations were often taught that only one woman could succeed, perpetuating toxic rivalries.
- Systemic Bias: The industry itself creates structures that encourage competition rather than collaboration among women.
The Consequences of Fake Empowerment
The superficial support among women in Hollywood does more harm than good. Instead of fostering genuine connections, it creates an environment of distrust and exclusion.
Impact on Younger Actors
For rising stars like Sweeney, this culture can be incredibly isolating. Young talent often faces criticism, not just from audiences but from industry veterans who feel threatened or dismissive of their success.
What Needs to Change?
To break this cycle, the industry must:
- Promote Collaboration: Create opportunities for women to work together rather than compete.
- Encourage Mentorship: Older, established professionals should mentor and uplift younger talent.
- Address Systemic Issues: Ensure equal opportunities and representation for women across all roles in Hollywood.
Sydney Sweeney’s Approach to Navigating Hollywood
Despite the challenges, Sweeney has continued to carve out a successful career. She balances high-profile roles with her private life, prioritizing family and staying grounded.
Life Beyond the Spotlight
Sweeney lives in Brooklyn with her husband, actress Emily Blunt, and their two daughters, Hazel (10) and Violet (8). She describes family time as her greatest joy, finding comfort in simple pleasures like Netflix marathons and bedtime stories.
“Family time is at the heart of my life,” Sweeney shared.
Her ability to maintain a sense of normalcy in a tumultuous industry speaks to her resilience and priorities.
Why Sydney Sweeney’s Comments Matter
Sweeney’s candid critique isn’t just about calling out Hollywood—it’s about advocating for a cultural shift. Her words highlight the need for authenticity and genuine empowerment, not just in the entertainment world but in all industries.
A Call to Action
- Women should uplift one another instead of competing for limited opportunities.
- Industry leaders must foster environments where collaboration is celebrated over competition.
- Society as a whole needs to challenge the stereotypes that perpetuate the “one woman at the top” mentality.
Conclusion: A Step Toward Real Empowerment
Sydney Sweeney’s comments about Hollywood’s fake empowerment culture serve as a wake-up call. While the entertainment industry may promote the idea of women supporting women, the reality often falls short. Genuine change requires addressing systemic issues, challenging outdated mindsets, and fostering a culture of collaboration over competition.
Sweeney’s courage in speaking out is a reminder that change starts with honesty. By sharing her experiences, she has ignited an important conversation about what real empowerment looks like—and how women in Hollywood, and beyond, can truly support one another.
