Hollywood Friendship Cracks Under Political Pressure
After six years working together on the hit HBO teen drama Euphoria, co-stars Zendaya and Sydney Sweeney are reportedly no longer on speaking terms due to their opposing political views.
Insiders close to the production claim that 29-year-old Zendaya is refusing to participate in joint press calls with her 28-year-old co-star for the upcoming season of the popular show. Sources working on Euphoria indicate that the two actresses will not be seen standing next to each other during promotional events.
The Controversial Ad That Sparked Backlash
The tension between the two stars reportedly escalated in July when Sydney Sweeney appeared in an American Eagle advertising campaign featuring the tagline 'Sydney Sweeney has great jeans'. The pun on the word 'genes' drew significant public criticism, with many comparing it to rhetoric associated with eugenics and white supremacy.
Following the controversial campaign, multiple US news outlets revealed that Sweeney's voting records show her as a registered Republican, though the actress herself has remained silent on her political affiliations.
The situation gained further political attention when former President Donald Trump publicly praised Sweeney's advertisement. Trump took to Truth Social to express his admiration, stating 'Now I love her ad' after learning about the campaign.
Zendaya's Political Stance
In stark contrast to her co-star's reported political leanings, Zendaya has been vocal in her opposition to Donald Trump. Following his election victory in 2016, the Spider-Man actress expressed her dismay on social media, writing that she felt 'speechless, petrified, heartbroken and weary'.
She further elaborated at the time: 'I don't know what to say or what to do. I guess I just never knew how many people in this country didn't love other people in this country.'
An insider explained to the Daily Mail the difficult position this creates for Zendaya: 'It's a difficult position for Zendaya to be in because if she even stands next to Sydney on the red carpet, it can be read as her excusing Sydney's views on Trump and her refusal to apologise for the racist ad.'
From Friendship to Feud
The reported falling out marks a significant shift in the actresses' relationship, which previously appeared to be genuinely friendly. Sweeney had publicly cheered for Zendaya when she won an Emmy in 2020, telling media: 'We were all watching the Emmys because we were all crossing our fingers and we just freaked out. It's so amazing, I'm very, very proud and excited for Z.'
Speaking about working with Zendaya on Euphoria, Sweeney had described herself as 'really lucky' and praised her co-star's professionalism to Access Hollywood: 'It's been amazing being able to watch her and just see how much of a boss-a** she is.'
Regarding the backlash to her American Eagle campaign, Sweeney recently told GQ that the reaction came as a 'surprise' and strongly suggested she wouldn't be addressing the controversy directly, stating: 'When I have an issue I want to speak about, people will hear.'
American Eagle defended their campaign in an official statement, clarifying: 'Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans' is and always was about the jeans. Her jeans. Her story. We'll continue to celebrate how everyone wears their AE jeans with confidence, their way. Great jeans look good on everyone.'
As the situation continues to develop, representatives for both Sydney Sweeney and Zendaya have been contacted for comment by Metro.co.uk.
