Sydney Sweeney slams critics for backlash against Euphoria creator Sam Levinson’s sexualised shows

The actress says it’s hard and unfair seeing Euphoria creator Sam Levinson “completely trashed by the public” over his raunchy shows.

Sydney Sweeney attends a screening of HBO Films' "Reality" at Museum of Modern Art on May 16, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)

Sydney Sweeney is standing by Euphoria creator Sam Levinson’s controversial shows despite receiving backlash from critics.

The 25-year-old Hollywood actress made it clear that Levinson never made the cast feel uncomfortable and added that the hit HBO show – which airs locally on BINGE – helped her find her power.

“You have me, you have Z[endaya], you have all of these very strong-minded, independent women. If we didn’t feel comfortable with something, or we saw something we didn’t like, we’d all speak up,” Sweeney said during a cover interview with Variety.

“It’s hard to see someone completely trashed by the public and the media when no one’s actually there. We are there, and clearly we’re still working on the show, and we’re still supportive.”

Sweeney’s popular role in Euphoria as high-schooler Cassie Howard has sparked controversy, as viewers were concerned about the overly sexualised material and how Levinson has handled nude scenes.

Sam Levinson created Euphoria which stars (from left to right) Zendaya, Sydney Sweeney, and Maude Apatow. Picture: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic for HBO/HBO MAX

“The point is making people uncomfortable and thinking outside the box. What else is the point of art?” Sweeney added. “For me, I feel so free and confident now. And I’ve found that through Cassie.”

Levinson also recently faced criticism for his new show The Idol, starring Lily-Rose Depp and Abel “The Weekend” Tesfaye, which also airs in BINGE.

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Sweeney said her role in Euphoria gave her confidence. Picture: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

Sydney Sweeney fronts Variety’s Power of Young Hollywood issue. Picture: Eric Ray Davidson for Variety

The show has been largely criticised for its graphic and extensive sexual and nude scenes, most of which feature Depp, 24.

She has additionally defended Levinson after an article alleged its production directed under him has gone “wildly, disgustingly off the rails” and has turned into “torture porn”.

The Weeknd, Lily-Rose Depp and Sam Levinson attend The Idol red carpet during the Cannes film festival on May 22. Picture: Kristy Sparow/Getty Images

Depp, who plays a rising pop star who gets trapped in the “seedy underbelly of the music industry,” called Levinson the “best director” she has worked with in a statement shared with Fox News Digital in March.

“Never have I felt more supported or respected in a creative space, my input and opinions more valued,” Depp said.

“Working with Sam is a true collaboration in every way – it matters to him, more than anything, not only what his actors think about the work, but how we feel performing it. He hires people whose work he esteems and has always created an environment in which I felt seen, heard, and appreciated.”

Despite Levinson facing much criticism for his work, Euphoria has won nine Emmys.

This article originally appeared in Fox News and was reproduced with permission

Originally published as Sydney Sweeney slams critics for backlash against Euphoria creator Sam Levinson’s sexualised shows