Sydney Sweeney appeared confident as she stepped out in Los Angeles on Saturday, shrugging off criticism following the disastrous box office performance of her latest film, Christy.
The 28-year-old actress attended the Deadline Contenders Film event at the Directors Guild of America, wearing a chic long-sleeve mini dress.
The outfit featured a plaid pattern with subtle white and blue lines layered over a light blue gingham button-down shirt with an oversized pointed collar, paired with pointed red heels.
Sweeney posed for photos, her blonde hair styled with soft curls, showing no sign of being fazed by the hostile reception her latest work has received.
Christy, in which Sweeney portrays Hall of Fame boxer Christy Martin, opened to a disappointing $1.3 million at the box office over the weekend.
Critics and fans have been vocal in their disapproval, and the film has faced widespread backlash.
Sweeney also spoke on a panel for the film during the event, despite the growing storm surrounding her career and personal brand.
The actress has faced scrutiny not only for Christy’s flop but also due to her political leanings and associations.
Sweeney’s support of MAGA causes, coupled with her relationship with controversial record executive Scooter Braun and her involvement in a recent American Eagle advertising campaign, has drawn public criticism.
Fellow celebrities, including Ruby Rose and Aimee Lou Wood, have publicly opposed Sweeney’s political positions.
Her American Eagle campaign drew accusations of promoting white supremacy, referencing the slogan that highlighted her “good jeans” and “good genes.” Sweeney spoke about the controversy in an interview with GQ, choosing neither to defend nor condemn the campaign.
She said, “I did a jean ad. The reaction definitely was a surprise, but I love jeans. All I wear are jeans. I’m literally in jeans and a T-shirt every day of my life.”
The backlash extends to her upcoming film, The Housemaid, which is scheduled for a December release, according to the Daily Mail.
A new trailer and promotional posters posted on Instagram have already generated adverse reactions, with critics warning of boycotts and social media users suggesting they would only watch it to support co-star Amanda Seyfried.
Reputation expert Eric Schiffer told the Daily Mail that Sweeney has employed strategic PR tactics to manage the growing criticism. Schiffer noted that by refusing to apologize, Sweeney has maintained relevance and mitigated some of the backlash.
He explained that her approach of returning directly to work without a public apology allows her to remain “cancellation-bulletproof” while projecting confidence.
Schiffer warned, however, that Sweeney must remain cautious.
He stated, “Hollywood reads heat as currency, and she proved she can take a vicious wallop and survive. Guts with composure sells; audiences prefer confidence over contrition. Her star persona is a weapon, and America—plus a lot of the world—like and gravitate toward her, that’s a jean-covered bomb-proof reputation suit.”
Despite the mounting criticism, Sweeney appears to be weathering the storm with poise, relying on her established image, professional resilience, and strategic public relations to navigate the fallout from Christy’s disappointing launch and ongoing controversies surrounding her personal and professional choices.
