Hollywood's new film "Christy" faced a dismal box office performance, sparking a wider controversy. Actress Ruby Rose, who previously claimed she was set to star in the film, recently took to Threads to publicly criticize Sydney Sweeney, accusing her of "ruining" the biographical film about boxer Christy Martin. Rose also implied that Sweeney's stance was at odds with the LGBTQ+ community. The controversy quickly escalated, prompting Christy Martin herself to respond.
Following "Christy"'s dismal opening weekend, which averaged only $600 per U.S. theater, Ruby Rose launched a scathing attack on Sweeney. Rose emphasized that most of the original cast and crew were queer, stating, "No one wants to watch someone who hates us pretend to be us," and bluntly added, "You're an idiot, you ruined this movie, Christy deserves better."
In response to the fierce criticism, Christy Martin took to Instagram on Wednesday to defend Sweeney, posting a photo of the two together. Martin stated, "I've fought my whole life, and now I fight for others." She then specifically addressed the recent attacks on her friend Sweeney, saying, "Sydney didn't just work hard for this film; she did it for me, for my story, and for the many who suffer in silence."
Martin further emphasized that Sweeney is not just the actress portraying her, but also a true friend and ally, clearly speaking out in her defense. Sweeney had previously responded to the box office setback, noting that the value of the work is not limited to numbers, stating, "If this film can inspire even one woman to take the first step towards seeking safety, then we have succeeded."
Ruby Rose's criticism also touched upon public speculation regarding Sweeney's potential conservative leanings. Sweeney had previously been embroiled in controversy due to alleged "Make America Great Again (MAGA)"-related items at a family party. Later, she faced backlash for using the pun "good genes / good jeans" in an advertisement, which sparked eugenics associations. Sweeney has denied these interpretations, asserting that the controversies were based on misunderstandings.
Under the combined pressures of low box office numbers, ideological controversy, and public feuds between celebrities, the "Christy" saga continues to unfold. With Martin herself publicly defending Sweeney, the narrative has taken a new turn, adding a fresh dimension to the discussion surrounding the biographical film.