The Myth Of Women Supporting Women: Sydney Sweeney Calls Out Hollywood’s Empowerment Talk: "It's All Fake"

In an industry where many young actresses feel compelled to adopt a feminist, activist persona to stay relevant, Sydney Sweeney has taken a different route—and it’s made her both beloved and controversial. She projects a refreshingly sweet, girl-next-door vibe and unapologetically leans into her male fanbase, delighting in the attention rather than shunning it, and has stayed firmly out of the political fray that so many of her peers eagerly jump into.

Unlike other actresses who brand themselves as social justice warriors or use their platforms for activism, Sweeney’s approach is more straightforward: she’s focused on her craft, her career, and enjoying the ride. She’s not out to make a statement but rather to have fun while doing what she loves. This refusal to conform to Hollywood’s current expectations of female celebrities has earned her a mix of admiration and backlash. Some see her as a breath of fresh air, while others perceive her as a threat to the status quo—someone who proves that a woman can be successful without subscribing to the industry’s ever-shifting ideological demands.

In a world where feminist energy often feels like a career prerequisite, Sweeney’s non-political, unapologetically feminine persona stands out. Critics accuse her of setting women back by embracing the male gaze, while her fans appreciate her refusal to apologize for who she is. For Sweeney, it’s simple: she’s not here to change the world, just to enjoy her place in it. And that, perhaps, is what makes her truly revolutionary in today’s Hollywood.

In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, Sweeney addressed the hot topic of so-called female empowerment. “This entire industry, all people say is "Women empowering other women," none of it’s happening," she stated. "All of it is fake and a front for all the other s*** that they say behind everyone’s back.”

Her remarks peel back the layers of the industry's carefully curated image of solidarity among women. Despite the public displays of unity and support, Sweeney suggests that behind closed doors, it’s often a different story.

A Culture of Competition, Not Collaboration

At the heart of Sweeney’s critique is the reality that women in Hollywood pit themselves against each other, perpetuating a culture where competition overshadows genuine collaboration. Many women believe that there’s only room for one at the top, fostering a scarcity mindset that leads to rivalry instead of friendship.

“I’ve read that our entire lives, we were raised—and it’s a generational problem—to believe only one woman can be at the top,” she added. “There’s one woman who can get the man. There’s one woman who can be, I don’t know, anything. So then all the others feel like they have to fight each other or take that one woman down instead of being like, Let’s all lift each other up.”

Women are frequently encouraged to project an image of empowerment and mutual support, yet the reality behind the scenes is often more complicated. In many cases, some of the harshest criticism comes not from men but from other women—particularly female journalists and influencers who wield their platforms to tear down rather than lift up their peers.

Sweeney’s frustration with the industry’s performative gestures is rooted in her personal experiences. She has faced her share of public scrutiny, often from women who claim to champion empowerment but are quick to criticize when it suits their narrative. This performative allyship is more about optics than meaningful support. The “women supporting women” narrative, while popular on social media and at award shows, too often rings hollow in practice.

The rise of influencers and public figures who champion female empowerment while engaging in behind-the-scenes feuds only exacerbates the problem. Sweeney’s comments cut through the noise, urging women to reflect on whether their actions truly align with their words.

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