Sydney Sweeney recently found herself at the center of controversy after Hollywood producer Carol Baum made disparaging remarks about her looks and acting skills. Baum had called Sweeney “unpretty” and claimed that she “can’t act,” while also labeling her new romcom film, “Anyone But You,” as “unwatchable.” In response, Sweeney’s representative criticized Baum for attacking another woman in such a public and demeaning way, calling her actions “shameful.”
Following the backlash from Sweeney’s camp and fans, Baum expressed regret over her comments about the actress. She admitted that criticizing an actor is not her usual style and wished she had not made those remarks. Baum also revealed that she had been receiving hate mail from fans of Sweeney ever since her comments went viral, indicating that she understood the impact of her words and expressed remorse for them.
The criticism of Sweeney began when Baum mentioned her opinions on the actress during a panel discussion at the Jacob Burns Center. She recounted watching “Anyone But You” on a plane to understand why Sweeney was popular in Hollywood and was left unimpressed by the film. Baum called it “unwatchable” and questioned why the actress had garnered so much attention when she believed Sweeney lacked looks and acting ability.
Despite her negative comments, Baum shockingly stated that she would still be open to working with Sweeney in the future. After realizing that her students could not explain Sweeney’s appeal, Baum considered the possibility of collaborating with the actress if it meant getting a film made. She acknowledged the importance of seizing opportunities in the industry and emphasized the need to prioritize getting projects off the ground, regardless of personal opinions.
In response to the backlash, other Hollywood insiders, including producer Teddy Schwarzman, defended Sweeney’s talent and character. Schwarzman praised the actress for being smart, kind, and humble, emphasizing that her work ethic and abilities speak for themselves. The support from industry peers highlighted Sweeney’s positive reputation within the entertainment world and contradicted Baum’s negative assessments of her looks and skills.
Ultimately, the controversy surrounding Sydney Sweeney and Carol Baum shed light on the issue of public criticism and the impact of negative remarks on individuals in the entertainment industry. While disagreements and differing opinions are common in Hollywood, the manner in which feedback is delivered can have lasting effects on actors and filmmakers. Sweeney’s response to Baum’s comments demonstrated the importance of standing up against unjust criticism and holding individuals accountable for their words and actions in a professional setting.
