Sydney Sweeney has spoken out to defend her latest movie Christy after its disappointing box-office debut.
The biopic follows the life of Christy Salters, formerly known as Martin, a pioneering female boxer whose rise in the ring was matched by turbulence in her personal life. The film traces her journey from her parents’ refusal to accept that she is gay to her abusive marriage to her former boxing coach, Jim Martin, who was convicted of attempted second-degree murder with a firearm, which left Christy fighting for her life.
Sweeney, who usually plays blonde bombshells, trained intensely and transformed into a brunette, powerfully built version of Christy for the role.
Despite the physical commitment and early anticipation, the movie posted one of the worst box-office openings on record. It debuted at $1.3 million following its November 7 release, according to Box Office Mojo.
After the numbers were published, Sweeney shared an Instagram photo dump from the movie with a caption that read: “I am so deeply proud of this movie. Proud of the film David made. Proud of the story we told. Proud to represent someone as strong and resilient as Christy Martin. this experience has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” she wrote. Newsweek reached out to Sydney Sweeney’s publicists for comment outside of their usual working hours.
Sweeney said the film represents survival, courage, and hope, and added that, through the movie’s campaigns, the team worked to raise awareness for people affected by domestic violence. Sweeney said that the cast and crew signed on believing that Christy’s story could save lives.
Sweeney thanked those who supported the project and said that, if Christy inspired even one woman to take a first step toward safety, the mission was a success.
“We don’t always just make art for numbers, we make it for impact. and Christy has been the most-impactful project of my life. thank you Christy. I love you,” Sweeney added.
She became the center of controversy over the summer after starring in an American Eagle campaign titled “good jeans.” The messaging received widespread criticism on social media and reignited conversations about racism and eugenics, the ideology that promotes white genetic superiority.
Sweeney addressed the backlash in an interview with GQ, though her response generated further criticism. In the interview, writer Lauren Stoeffel asked Sweeney directly about concerns that white people should avoid joking about genetic superiority during a fraught political moment. Sweeney replied: “I think that when I have an issue that I want to speak about, people will hear.” She also said that the ad “spoke for itself” and described the reactions from President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance as “surreal.”
Sweeney’s remarks prompted new backlash from viewers who argued she missed an opportunity to condemn racism and engage meaningfully with the concerns raised.
Reactions to her latest Instagram post were sharply divided.
“Amazing job,” said photographer Brian Bowen Smith.
“You crushed this,” American Eagle commented.
“Love this film so much!! You were absolutely brilliant. Thank you sharing Christy’s story,” wrote Mandana Dayani, an Iranian-American attorney.
“YOU KILL. Brave and true,” added fellow actor Amanda Seyfried.
Others were far less supportive.
“Girl the movie flopped bye,” said Tierney.
“We are boycotting all of your films Sydney,” added another user.
