Sydney Sweeney’s boxing biopic Christy is facing another wave of controversy after its disappointing $1.3 million opening weekend. And now, Ruby Rose has stepped in with sharp accusations, directly blaming Sweeney for the film’s downfall and adding new heat to an already troubled release.
What Sparked the Feud
According to Deadline, Rose reacted strongly to the film’s weak debut, saying she was originally attached to the project based on boxer Christy Martin’s life. She wrote on Threads that the early script was “life changing” and revealed she had been set to play Cherry before the cast changed.
Rose also pointed out that the original ensemble included several LGBTQ+ performers, suggesting the shift in casting and tone changed the film’s identity.
Ruby Rose’s Harsh Comments
The backlash didn’t end there. Rose accused Sweeney of representing values that alienate the film’s intended audience — a reference to the actress’s recent American Eagle ad, which faced accusations of promoting eugenics.
“None of the people want to see someone who hates them, parading around pretending to be us,” she wrote. “You’re a cretin and you ruined the film.”
Shortly after, Rose walked back her wording, admitting she didn’t realize the term “cretin” was ableist. She corrected herself by saying she “should have just said psychopath.”
How Sweeney Responded
Deadline reports that Sweeney’s team has not commented on Rose’s remarks. But the Euphoria star had already addressed the movie’s underwhelming debut earlier in the week.
Sweeney, who also produced Christy, shared that she is “deeply proud” of the film and emphasized its emotional importance over commercial success.
She thanked viewers who supported the project, saying if the film helped even one woman take a step toward safety, that alone justified its purpose.
“For me, we don’t always make art for numbers. We make it for impact,” she wrote.
Christy Martin’s Reaction
Meanwhile, Christy Martin — whose real-life journey is at the heart of the film — praised Sweeney’s performance. Speaking to NBC News, she called the actress “the ‘it’ girl” and praised her for fully committing to the physical and emotional demands of the role.
Where the Film Stands Now
Christy marked Black Bear’s first major theatrical rollout, opening across 2,011 screens after premiering at TIFF in September. Despite the wide release, the numbers remained far below expectations.
The controversy, mixed reception, and heavy online debate have all shaped the film’s early narrative — making Christy one of the most talked-about underperformers of the season.
Final Words
The drama behind Christy now stretches far beyond its $1.3 million opening. Between Ruby Rose’s accusations, Sweeney’s emotional defense, and a divided audience response, the film has become a flashpoint for discussions about casting, representation, and the pressure surrounding Hollywood’s rising stars. Whether Christy finds a second life beyond theaters remains to be seen, but the conversation around it is only growing louder.
