Sydney Sweeney says political photos from mom's party sparked 'so many misinterpretations'
Sydney Sweeney is addressing what happened at her mom's 60th birthday party nearly a year after her post about the "surprise hoedown" sparked online backlash for depicting political regalia.
“There were so many misinterpretations,” the "Euphoria" star told Variety in a recent interview for their Power of Young Hollywood issue, conducted before SAG-AFTRA went on strike.
“The people in the pictures weren’t even my family," she added. "The people who brought the things that people were upset about were actually my mom’s friends from L.A. who have kids that are walking outside in the Pride parade, and they thought it would be funny to wear because they were coming to Idaho.”
Last August, she posted several videos and photos as she rode a mechanical bull and danced with family and friends. But one of the photos showed a man wearing a shirt with an apparent U.S. flag with a thin blue line, which is commonly associated with the "Blue Lives Matter" slogan, a reference to police that has been seen at white supremacist rallies.
Sweeney's brother, Trent, also shared pictures from the party on Instagram. In one photo, he is posing with people wearing red hats that say "Make Sixty Great Again," likely in reference to the Donald Trump "Make America Great Again" hats first popularized during his 2016 presidential campaign.
“Sometimes I feel beat up by it,” Sweeney told Variety, seemingly referring to constant online speculation about her life. “It’s hard to sit back and watch, and not be able to stand up for yourself.”
Background and context: Sydney Sweeney says photos from mom's birthday party 'turned into an absurd political statement'
Sydney Sweeney on how stardom has affected family life
Known for her roles in some of Max's biggest hits — as Cassie Howard in “Euphoria" and Olivia in "The White Lotus" Season 1 — Sweeney started pursuing an acting career when she was 12. Her success has come with trade-offs: She's been able to bring her cousins to set “to help them grow and open their minds," she told Variety.
The drawbacks include how her career has impacted her family.
“My parents sacrificed so much to support my dream, and they lost so much during it. I just felt a responsibility to show them that it was worth it,” she said. Her parents reportedly divorced and filed for bankruptcy earlier in her acting career.
Amid her busy work schedule, Sweeney also revealed she wants to make more time for family life.
“I always thought I’d have a kid by now. I always wanted to be a young mom. I love acting, I love the business, I love producing, I love all of it," she shared. "But what’s the point if I’m not getting to share it with a family?”
'This heartache is real': Sydney Sweeney, Zendaya mourn "Euphoria" co-star Angus Cloud
Sydney Sweeney addresses Glen Powell dating rumors
Besides family matters, Sweeney also addressed rumors that she and her "Anyone But You" co-star Glen Powell, who starred in "Top Gun: Maverick," were dating while filming the upcoming romantic comedy.
"It's a rom-com," she said. "That's what people want! Glen and I don't really care. We have so much fun together, and we respect each other so much; he's such a harder worker, and I'm a hard worker."
In April, Sweeney shared photos of herself with Powell around the time of filming "Anyone But You," where the duo looked elated, and fans in the comments speculated the two were more than just co-stars.
"They want it," she said, referring to the online reaction. "It's fun to give it to 'em."
Writers strike 2023 explained: Why the WGA walked out, what it means for TV and film
Contributing: Jordan Mendoza, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Sydney Sweeney addresses Glen Powell romance rumors, mother's party
