Sydney Sweeney Pushes Back Against Hollywood’s “Woke” Trend — “I’m Not Here to Follow the Script”

Actress Sydney Sweeney is once again making headlines — but this time, not for a red carpet look or an intense new role. The Euphoria and Anyone But You star is drawing both applause and controversy after making bold comments about what she calls Hollywood’s “performative wokeness.”

In a recent interview with Variety promoting her upcoming political thriller The Silent Majority, Sweeney opened up about the pressure young stars face to conform to industry expectations, especially when it comes to activism, identity politics, and social issues.

“I’m tired of being told what I should care about, how I should talk, or what side I need to take to stay employable,” she said.
“I’m not anti-anything — I’m just pro-thinking for yourself.”

A Career Built on Risk — and Individualism

At just 27, Sweeney has built a reputation for playing emotionally complex, sometimes controversial characters. But off-screen, she’s proven just as unpredictable — refusing to be boxed into the political norms that dominate much of young Hollywood.

“I grew up in a family where we didn’t all agree. That was okay,” Sweeney explained. “Now, if you don’t say the exact right thing at the exact right time, you’re labeled. Canceled. Done. That’s not freedom.”

This isn’t the first time Sweeney has found herself in the middle of a cultural firestorm. In 2022, she received backlash after photos emerged of her family wearing clothing associated with conservative political views at a birthday party. At the time, she responded on social media, saying: “You guys, this is wild. Please stop making assumptions.”

The Industry Reacts: Praise and Pushback

Her recent comments are once again dividing public opinion — with some praising her for speaking honestly, and others accusing her of undermining progress.

“It’s refreshing to hear someone in Hollywood say what many are afraid to,” one user posted on X (formerly Twitter).

“This isn’t brave, it’s tone-deaf,” another wrote. “If you’re not using your platform to speak up for the vulnerable, what are you even doing?”

Still, others pointed out the irony — saying Sweeney’s comments only underscore how deeply politicized Hollywood has become.

What’s Next for Sydney?

Despite the noise, Sweeney shows no signs of backing down. Her film The Silent Majority — in which she plays a young woman caught between political extremism and personal truth — is already being touted as one of the most polarizing releases of the year.

And if her real-life persona is anything like her on-screen roles, one thing’s for sure: Sydney Sweeney isn’t afraid to challenge the narrative — even when it puts her at odds with the industry she thrives in.