The concept of celebrity sensual icons is nothing new. It has been around since the '50s, though the criteria may have shifted a bit over time. While the tag could be flattering for the actor or actress as an appreciation of their extreme sensual appeal, often times, the obvious typecasting that occurs due to it on screen, follows the celebrities off of the screen as well. In 2024, the biggest example of a star feeling the brunt of this phenomenon is Sydney Sweeney, who has won over millions with her undeniable attractiveness.

An old interview with Sweeney, in which she candidly discussed her exploration of sensuality on screen, has recently been taken out of context on the web. Hence, here is why Sweeney decided to fully embrace her on-screen choices, despite the patriarchal scrutiny.

Sydney Sweeney became a household name after her HBO hit show, Euphoria. While her raw and emotionally nuanced performance as Cassie Howard earned her plenty of acclaim, she also found herself labeled as a "s*x symbol"- in her own words- after the show. Sweeney told The Hollywood Reporter in 2022 that people just cannot seem to separate her from her character. "Oh, she gets naked onscreen, she’s a s*x symbol," commented Sweeney on how the public views her. Still, she has got no regrets.

"I have no problems with those scenes, and I won’t stop doing them," declared Sweeney. What she did wish was that there was a simpler way to discuss the assumptions people make about actors in the industry. Cassie Howard is so much more than just nudity. Yet, the sexualization that has followed her from Euphoria has pushed Sweeney to stand up for herself publicly on several occasions. 

“You gotta find...”- Megan Fox’s Advice for Sydney Sweeney Facing Over Sexualization Surfaces

Earlier this year, Sydney Sweeney shared how the constant sexualization has made her feel almost dehumanized by fans. 

There is a reason why Sydney Sweeney is constantly compared to the '50s icon Marilyn Monroe. The Anyone But You actress has had a bittersweet experience following Euphoria, the bitter part being the flood of sexualized memes that have even dragged her family into the spotlight. In an interview with Variety, Sweeney opened up about feeling constantly objectified, especially after her Saturday Night Live debut.

Sweeney talked about how people feel entitled to say whatever they want about a celebrity simply because they are in the public eye. "I'm not on a human level anymore, because I’m an actor," she said. She also acknowledged that there is nothing she can do about it, as she has “no control or say over” how people choose to view her. However, it is clear that Sweeney is not going to let this dictate her artistic choices.

Is Sydney Sweeney Really the Modern Marilyn Monroe? Exploring the Effect of the Divas on Hollywood

What do you think about Sydney Sweeney's interview? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!