Megyn Kelly has criticized Sidney Sweeney for her suggestive teaser in ‘Euphoria,’ stating that it crosses a concerning boundary.
“This is sexualizing childhood,” Kelly mentioned during a recent episode of SiriusXM’s “The Megyn Kelly Show.”
Her comments came in response to the newly released Season 3 trailer for HBO’s popular series, which seemingly depicts Sweeney’s character in a storyline akin to an OnlyFans account.
Kelly described the scene in explicit detail, referring to Sweeney as “dressed as a baby…with her legs fully spread” and “sucking on a dirty pacifier.”
She expressed disbelief that Sweeney agreed to participate in such a portrayal.
The criticism follows the third season of “Euphoria,” which had its premiere on Sunday, and has already stirred controversy over its provocative imagery. Critics have labeled it degrading and fetishistic.
Kelly condemned the pacifier scene as “disgusting,” accusing the show of prioritizing shock value.
She also took aim at the series creator, Sam Levinson, stating, “I think this person is sick…Sam Levinson.”
Throughout her critique, Kelly noted that Sweeney and other actresses have voiced discomfort regarding the level of nudity in the show, suggesting that Levinson often pushes for scenes to include nudity that might not necessarily require it.
She argued, “He’s always asking women to take off their clothes, for scenes that don’t call for it.”
Kelly framed the controversy as a symptom of broader cultural issues within Hollywood.
“This is yet another case of Hollywood failing to understand boundaries,” she said, adding, “How would any sensible person react to what is, in effect, the sexualization of children and infants?”
The backlash has coincided with rising curiosity for the upcoming season of “Euphoria,” which helped propel Sweeney to fame.
Teasers hint that her character, Cassie, may transition into a social media influencer role, possibly engaging with adult content platforms.
Sweeney had previously voiced her views on nudity in the series, noting she had refused scenes she deemed unnecessary.
Interestingly, Kelly’s current critique is a notable departure from her earlier, more favorable comments about Sweeney.
Not long ago, she praised Sweeney as a “real” and “natural” beauty amid backlash triggered by an American Eagle advertising campaign featuring the actress.
Though the campaign faced scrutiny, it ultimately boosted American Eagle’s sales and brand awareness.
Kelly had commended Sweeney for handling the situation decisively at that time, calling her approach “like a boss.” However, she later suggested that Sweeney may have yielded to industry pressure after addressing the backlash more openly.
Kelly has also taken issue with some of Sweeney’s fashion choices at red carpet events.
Sweeney, in response to criticism of the American Eagle ad, emphasized her affection for the brand and defended the campaign against negative interpretations, stating her stance against “hatred and divisiveness.”
The Post has reached out to both HBO and representatives for Sweeney and Levinson for further comments.
