In a revealing and raw interview, Sydney Sweeney, the dynamic actress known for her roles in Euphoria and Madame Web, has cast a stark light on what she perceives as one of Hollywood’s most deceptive facades: the “women empowering women” slogan. Born in the aftermath of the seismic ‘Me Too’ movement, this notion was heralded as a sign of solidarity among women in the industry. However, Sweeney suggests that behind the scenes, the reality is far different and far darker.
The Glittering Facade of Female Solidarity
At first glance, Hollywood post-‘Me Too’ seemed to have embraced a new era of female camaraderie. Notable was Natalie Portman’s fashion statement at the 2020 Academy Awards, where her Dior cape subtly yet powerfully protested the exclusion of female directors from the nominations by featuring their names embroidered along its lapel.
Yet, according to Sweeney, these public displays of support mask a more troubling undercurrent of insincerity and competition.
“This entire industry, all people say is ‘Women empowering other women.’ None of it’s happening. All of it is fake and a front for all the other shit that they say behind everyone’s back,”
Sweeney disclosed during a candid interview with Vanity Fair.
The Reality Behind the Curtain
Despite the outward appearance of unity, Sweeney’s own experiences tell a story of isolation and criticism. She shared a particularly painful interaction with veteran producer Carol Baum, who disparaged Sweeney’s appearance and talent. This, Sweeney argues, is indicative of a broader pattern of behavior where successful women in the industry not only fail to support emerging talent but actively tear them down.
“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 — hoping to achieve whatever dreams that they may have — and then trying to bash and discredit any work that they’ve done,”
A Generational Challenge
Sweeney also touched upon the deep-rooted societal and generational challenges that perpetuate these behaviors. She reflected on the ingrained belief that only one woman can achieve the top spot, whether in their career, in relationships, or other aspects of life, leading to an environment where women feel they must compete rather than collaborate.
“I’ve read that our entire lives, we were raised—and it’s a generational problem—to believe only one woman can be at the top. 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.’ I’m still trying to figure it out. I’m just trying my best over here. Why am I getting attacked?”
The Call for Genuine Change
Sweeney’s insights reveal a disturbing discrepancy between public statements and private actions within Hollywood. While the industry may claim to support ‘Women Empowering Other Women’, the reality, as Sweeney points out, often contradicts this narrative. As Hollywood continues to navigate the aftermath of the ‘Me Too’ movement, it faces a critical need for genuine reform in how women are treated and supported both in front of and behind the camera.
As this discourse unfolds, one thing becomes clear: the path to true empowerment and equality is fraught with challenges, but acknowledging these harsh truths is a necessary step towards meaningful change. Sydney Sweeney’s courage in speaking out offers a beacon of hope for a more inclusive and supportive Hollywood, but it also serves as a reminder of how much work remains to be done.