Sydney Sweeney’s portrayal of boxer Christy Martin in the recent film Christy has sparked controversy after the movie‘s disappointing box office debut and mixed reviews. Ruby Rose, known for her role in Batwoman, sharply criticized Sweeney’s acting and questioned her political views, arguing that the film’s failure was largely due to Sweeney’s involvement. This dispute highlights ongoing tension surrounding the film and the public’s reaction to Sweeney’s role.
The Film’s Reception and Ruby Rose’s Discontent
Sydney Sweeney emphasized often that playing Christy Martin was the most significant role of her career, dedicating considerable effort to bring to life the openly lesbian boxer who broke new ground in her sport. Despite this, Christy struggled financially, earning only $1.3 million in its opening weekend and receiving a moderate 65% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Ruby Rose, who was originally connected to the project, expressed deep dissatisfaction with both the final product and Sweeney’s performance.
On the social media platform Threads, Rose openly condemned Sweeney and the film’s direction, writing,
“The original Christy Martin script was incredible. Life-changing. I was attached to play Cherry. Everyone had experience with the core material. Most of us were actually gay. It’s part of why I stayed in acting. Losing roles happens all the time,”
reflecting her disappointment over the changes and outcome.
Political Divisions Fueling the Backlash
Ruby Rose further attacked Sydney Sweeney’s politics in her posts, citing the actress’s Republican leanings as a factor contributing to the film’s disconnect with its intended audience. Rose added,
“For her PR to talk about it flopping and saying SS did it for the ‘people’. None of ‘the people’ want to see someone who hates them, parading around pretending to be us. You’re a cretin, and you ruined the film. Period. Christy deserved better,”
reflecting the intense personal and political disagreement involved.
This friction is exacerbated by Sweeney’s recent involvement in a controversy surrounding an American Eagle jeans campaign, which critics accused of supporting problematic views like eugenics and white supremacy. Sweeney’s refusal to fully address this in a GQ interview intensified public criticism, contributing to the heated atmosphere around her career and the film.
Christy Martin’s View on the Film and Sweeney’s Performance
In contrast to the criticisms from Ruby Rose, Christy Martin herself publicly expressed support for the movie and praised Sweeney’s portrayal. Speaking at the Toronto Film Festival, Martin stated, “I think it’s awesome,” indicating satisfaction with how her story was told on screen, and providing a more positive perspective on the film amidst the controversy.
Implications of the Sydney Sweeney Christy Controversy
This dispute between Ruby Rose and Sydney Sweeney over Christy pinpoints significant divisions surrounding representation and politics within Hollywood, especially within LGBTQ+ storytelling. The film’s poor box office results and divided reactions suggest challenges for biographical dramas that address complex social issues while balancing public expectations and actor authenticity. The ongoing public disagreement may continue to overshadow the movie’s merits, making it a focal point for discussions on identity, casting, and celebrity conduct moving forward.
