Hollywood debates Sydney Sweeney’s revealing fashion choices; Sharon Stone praises her confidence and individuality on stage.
Hollywood veteran Sharon Stone has come to the defense of Sydney Sweeney after the Euphoria star faced widespread criticism for her provocative red carpet looks, political views, and recent denim ad campaign.
The 28-year-old actress appeared at the Variety Power of Women: Los Angeles event on Wednesday, mingling with A-listers including Sharon Stone and Jamie Lee Curtis, signaling a potential return to favor within Hollywood’s elite circles.
Sweeney sparked debate when she wore a sheer, braless sparkly dress to the event, prompting fans to call her a “hypocrite” for speaking out against objectification while donning a revealing outfit.
The actress has also been embroiled in controversy over her American Eagle denim campaign, which critics labeled as “Nazi propaganda,” and for her political affiliations, including her registration with the Republican Party in Florida.
During the Variety event, Stone offered a powerful defense of Sweeney, urging women to embrace their confidence and individuality. “It’s okay to use what mama gave you.
It’s really fine,” Stone said. “Everybody has their own certain kind of hotness… and you’re supposed to go for that. Because who are you not to be beautiful? You know, who you are isn’t an accident.”
Sweeney, who has been working on Euphoria Season 3, delivered a speech at the event reflecting on resilience and the challenges of being underestimated in the entertainment industry.
Drawing inspiration from her upcoming role as boxer Christy Martin, she explained, “I know what it feels like to be underestimated, to have people define you before you’ve had a chance to define yourself… Strength doesn’t look loud sometimes, and sometimes it’s just about getting back up again and again, no matter who’s watching.”
While the speech was well-received by the audience, online reactions were far harsher. Critics accused Sweeney of contradicting her message by wearing a revealing dress, with some arguing that the outfit overshadowed her words about empowerment and resilience. Others commented on her privileged background, challenging the notion that she had personally faced systemic discrimination.
Sweeney’s public controversies extend beyond fashion. Her American Eagle campaign featured her discussing genetics while modeling denim, prompting critics to claim the ad promoted far-right ideologies.
Despite the uproar, the campaign reportedly contributed to significant brand profits, with American Eagle earning $1.28 billion since June and seeing a 25% stock price increase.
Industry experts suggest Sweeney’s provocative choices are strategic rather than accidental. Alexandria Hurley, a Las Vegas-based publicist, told the Daily Mail, “Sydney has flirted with controversy before… and rather than walk it back after criticism, she’s leaned further in. That’s not oversight. That’s strategy.”
However, this approach has not shielded her films from commercial struggles. Her August releases, Eden and Americana, performed below expectations at the box office, with the former earning just $1 million against a $50 million budget, and the latter making $500,000 against $9 million.
Despite the backlash, Sharon Stone’s endorsement highlights ongoing support from Hollywood veterans, signaling that Sweeney remains a figure to watch—whether for her acting talent, bold fashion statements, or high-profile controversies.