Sydney Sweeney is facing severe backlash from Ruby Rose following the disappointing debut of the boxing biopic “Christy,” which premiered last Friday. The film, directed by David Michôd, earned just $1.3 million at the box office, one of the lowest openings for its genre. Rose openly accused Sweeney of damaging the movie’s potential, sparking a heated controversy centered on the Sydney Sweeney Christy controversy.
Ruby Rose took to the social media platform Threads on Monday night, calling Sweeney a “cretin” and blaming her for “ruining” the film. Rose expressed frustration over how the project evolved after Sweeney’s involvement.
Dispute Over Authenticity and Casting in the “Christy” Project
Rose claimed that the original script for “Christy Martin” was much stronger before Sweeney was attached to the project. Rose shared that many cast members initially involved had personal connections to the story, with several identifying as gay, which she suggested contributed to the film’s original authenticity.
The original Christy Martin script was incredible. Life changing. I was attached to play Cherry,
Ruby Rose stated.
Everyone had experience with the core material. Most of us were actually gay,
she added, implying that the film deviated from its intentions after casting changes.
Without naming Sweeney directly at first, Rose criticized recent public relations responses defending the film’s failure at the box office. She questioned the lead actress’s connection to the story and accused her of a lack of genuine representation.
None of ‘the people’ want to see someone who hates them, parading around pretending to be us,
Rose wrote.
You’re a cretin and you ruined the film. Period. Christy deserved better.
The True Story Behind the Movie “Christy”
The movie “Christy” chronicles the life of boxing pioneer Christy Martin, who challenged the sport’s male dominance during the 1990s. In addition to her athletic achievements, the film details Martin’s harrowing experience with domestic abuse at the hands of her trainer and husband, Jim Martin. Following her escape from this abusive relationship, Christy rebuilt her life and later found love with her former competitor, Lisa Holewyne.
Sydney Sweeney Responds to Criticism
The public dispute followed Sydney Sweeney’s Instagram post addressing the film’s underwhelming financial reception. Despite the disappointing box office numbers, Sweeney expressed pride in the film and its message.
I am so deeply proud of this movie. Proud of the story we told. Proud to represent someone as strong and resilient as Christy Martin,
Sweeney wrote.
If Christy gave even one woman the courage to take her first step toward safety, then we will have succeeded. So yes, I’m proud. Why? Because 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.
Sydney Sweeney’s Recent Controversies Add to the Tension
This backlash compounds an already turbulent period for Sydney Sweeney, who has recently faced criticism for an advertising campaign. Earlier in the year, the “Anyone But You” actress sparked debate over an American Eagle ad featuring the slogan “Sydney Sweeney has great jeans,” which some viewers interpreted as echoing eugenics themes. Sweeney dismissed the controversy in an interview with GQ.
I did a jean ad. I mean, the reaction definitely was a surprise, but I love jeans. All I wear are jeans.
Sydney Sweeney commented.
What Comes Next for “Christy” and Sydney Sweeney
The growing public feud between Ruby Rose and Sydney Sweeney underscores broader questions about authenticity and representation in biographical films, especially those depicting sensitive subjects such as abuse and resilience. The poor box office performance of “Christy” has placed additional scrutiny on the film’s creative decisions, casting choices, and promotional strategies. How the controversy will influence Sweeney’s career or the reception of future projects remains uncertain, but the debate highlights ongoing tensions in Hollywood about storytelling and identity.
