Sydney Sweeney finds herself once again amidst the spotlight, this time, in a whirlwind of discussions revolving around her acting prowess and physical appearance. Veteran Hollywood producer Carol Baum, at a recent event, didn’t mince words, stating that Sweeney “lacks charm” and “struggles with acting,” especially evident in her role in the blockbuster romantic comedy, “Anyone but You,” which Baum labelled as “unwatchable.”

In response, Sweeney’s representative swiftly defended her, expressing disappointment that a woman of Baum’s stature chose to criticize another woman. The representative, in a statement shared with Variety, highlighted the irony of Baum’s actions, considering her extensive experience in the industry and her role as an educator. Baum, known for producing films like “Father of the Bride” and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” voiced her opinions during a conversation with New York Times film critic Janet Maslin. She expressed her bewilderment regarding Sweeney’s rising popularity, particularly citing her experience watching “Anyone but You” during a flight and finding it unbearable.
Baum’s remarks extended to her role as an adjunct professor at the University of Southern California, where she questioned Sweeney’s appeal to her students, emphasizing her doubts about Sweeney’s looks and acting abilities. Despite her criticisms, she acknowledged the pragmatic dilemma of casting decisions in the industry.
TMZ later reported Baum’s regret over her comments, indicating a backtrack from her initial stance. Meanwhile, Maslin clarified her intentions behind discussing “Anyone but You,” asserting its divisive reception rather than aiming for personal attacks.
Amid this controversy, Sydney Sweeney received vocal support from colleagues like Teddy Schwarzman, a producer on her latest horror film, “Immaculate,” who praised her talent and character. Scott Sedita, Sweeney’s former acting coach, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing her inner qualities and resilience in the face of industry challenges.
Regarding “Anyone but You,” despite the mixed reviews, the modern adaptation of “Much Ado About Nothing,” starring Sweeney and Glen Powell, has achieved significant commercial success, grossing over $200 million worldwide.