Hollywood actress Sydney Sweeney has set the internet alight after sharing a series of intimate behind-the-scenes photos from the press tour for her upcoming psychological thriller, The Housemaid. The carousel of images, posted to Instagram on Sunday, offered fans a candid look at the New York promotional circuit, but it was one particular snapshot that truly stopped followers in their tracks.
The Photo That 'Stopped Fans in Their Tracks'
The fourth photo in the collection shows Sweeney topless in a fitting room, using her arms to cover her chest modestly while laughing with her styling team. The group was in the process of fitting her into a nude corset. The image prompted immediate reaction, with one commenter noting, “Pic 4 is crazy to post.” The post also featured Sweeney's co-star, Amanda Seyfried, as the pair navigated New York City to promote the film.
This attention-grabbing snapshot is the latest in a string of bold fashion moments from the actress. Just days earlier, on December 2, Sweeney arrived at the New York screening of The Housemaid in a striking silver halter-neck gown with a dramatically plunging neckline.
More Than Just Fashion: Sweeney Addresses Backlash and Personal Resilience
Sweeney's fashion choices have consistently drawn eyes, not all of them approving. At Variety's Power of Women event at the Beverly Hills Hotel in October, she wore a shimmering mesh gown by Christian Cowan–Elias Matso that showcased her figure. While some fans were critical of the revealing outfit, Sweeney used her platform on stage to deliver a powerful, reflective speech about resilience and identity.
Drawing parallels to gay boxer Christy Martin, whom she portrays in the film Christy, Sweeney said, “I know what it feels like to be underestimated, to have people define you before you’ve had a chance to define yourself. I know what it feels like to have to prove that you deserve to be here, to be seen, to be taken seriously.”
Earlier this year, the star also faced significant backlash for her role in an advertising campaign for denim label American Eagle. The campaign's tagline, “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans,” was controversially linked by some online commentators to eugenics and white supremacy.
Responding to Controversy
In a new interview with PEOPLE on December 5, Sweeney addressed the denim ad fallout. “I was honestly surprised by the reaction,” she stated. “I did it because I love the jeans and love the brand. I don’t support the views some people chose to connect to the campaign. Many have assigned motives and labels to me that just aren’t true.”
From provocative behind-the-scenes glimpses to red carpet statements and advertising controversies, Sydney Sweeney continues to command attention, both for her professional projects and her personal navigation of the spotlight's intense glare.
