In a bold and unfiltered post shared on Threads, Ruby Rose expressed her strong discontent regarding Sydney Sweeney's portrayal of boxing champion Christy Martin in the recently released biopic "Christy." The actor, known for her role in "Orange Is the New Black," revealed that she was once considered for a role in the film, which adds a personal dimension to her critique.
Ruby Rose mentioned that the original script for "Christy" was "incredible" and "life-changing," emphasizing her previous attachment to the role of Cherry, which is based on Martin’s real-life girlfriend, Sherry Lusk. Rose reflected on the significance of the film's core material, stating, "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." This sentiment highlights the importance of authentic representation in film, especially in biopics that celebrate LGBTQ+ figures.
Ruby Rose did not hold back in her criticism of Sweeney’s performance, particularly targeting the PR responses that defended the film following its disappointing box office performance. "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," she stated. This comment underscores the need for genuine representation in films that depict marginalized communities.
In contrast, Sydney Sweeney took to Instagram to defend her performance in "Christy," addressing the backlash related to the film's disappointing opening weekend, which saw the movie earn only $1.3 million at the U.S. box office. She remarked, "We don’t always just make art for numbers, we make it for impact." Sweeney emphasized the film's purpose, stating, "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." This perspective highlights the emotional and social importance of telling Christy Martin's story, regardless of commercial success.
In addition to the controversy surrounding "Christy," Sweeney has recently been in the spotlight for her involvement in an American Eagle ad campaign. This campaign sparked debates due to its perceived implications, with some viewers interpreting the use of the phrase "great genes" as a reference to eugenics and likening it to “white supremacy” and “Nazi propaganda.” The backlash even reached political figures, with Vice President JD Vance suggesting that the criticism reflected a broader issue for Democrats among young men.
The ongoing discussions surrounding Ruby Rose and Sydney Sweeney highlight a critical aspect of modern filmmaking: the necessity for authentic representation, especially in biopics about LGBTQ+ figures. As audiences become increasingly aware of the importance of genuine narratives, the film industry must reflect on how stories are told and who gets to tell them.
