Sydney Sweeney Speaks Out After Family Photo Becomes 'Absurd Political Statement'

Mar. 15, 2025

Photo: Arnold Jerocki/WireImageSydney Sweeneyis facing backlash over photos from a recent family function.Afterthrowing a surprise hoedown-themed partyin Idaho for her mom’s 60th birthday, the current Emmy Award nominee, 24, responded to online criticism of aphotothat shows one relative wearing a “Blue Lives Matter” T-shirt.Her brother Trent Sweeney also sharedphotosthat showed guests wearing parody MAGA hats, printed with: “Make Sixty Great Again.““You guys this is wild. An innocent celebration for my mom’s milestone 60th birthday has turned into an absurd political statement, which was not the intention. Please stop making assumptions,” Sweeneywroteon Twitter. “Much love to everyone and Happy Birthday Mom!“Sweeney was met with further criticism in the replies. “Then you should’ve selected other pictures to post that wouldn’t be left up to interpretation in this manner. Lesson learned for you, I ‘assume,'” one personwrote.Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.Others came to her defense. “My dad voted for Trump (twice) and I still love him lmao, just because your family thinks one way doesn’t mean you all have to think the same,” anothertweeted.TheEuphoriastar previouslyshared photos from the festivitieson Saturday. “No better way to celebrate my momma than a surprise hoedown,” she wrote in the caption.The party included line dancing and a mechanical bull, as well as jean jacket embroidery, hatchet throwing, archery and a live band.Sweeney is currently gearing up for the74th Primetime Emmy Awards, where she’s received two first-time nominations. She’s up for outstanding supporting actress in a drama series for season 2 ofEuphoria, as well as outstanding supporting actress in a limited or anthology series or movie forWhite Lotus.“I’m excited, I’m in disbelief, I’m beyond appreciative. It’s a great day!” shetold PEOPLElast month, explaining that her family was the first people she called with the news.RELATED VIDEO: ‘White Lotus’ Star Sydney Sweeney’s Long Journey (20-Hour Drives for Auditions!) to Success"I was in the car and my phone started blowing up. I saw it and I called my mom,” Sweeney added. “Then, I called my team, then my dad, then my brother. I was just … sitting in the car!”

Photo: Arnold Jerocki/WireImage

Sydney Sweeneyis facing backlash over photos from a recent family function.Afterthrowing a surprise hoedown-themed partyin Idaho for her mom’s 60th birthday, the current Emmy Award nominee, 24, responded to online criticism of aphotothat shows one relative wearing a “Blue Lives Matter” T-shirt.Her brother Trent Sweeney also sharedphotosthat showed guests wearing parody MAGA hats, printed with: “Make Sixty Great Again.““You guys this is wild. An innocent celebration for my mom’s milestone 60th birthday has turned into an absurd political statement, which was not the intention. Please stop making assumptions,” Sweeneywroteon Twitter. “Much love to everyone and Happy Birthday Mom!“Sweeney was met with further criticism in the replies. “Then you should’ve selected other pictures to post that wouldn’t be left up to interpretation in this manner. Lesson learned for you, I ‘assume,'” one personwrote.Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.Others came to her defense. “My dad voted for Trump (twice) and I still love him lmao, just because your family thinks one way doesn’t mean you all have to think the same,” anothertweeted.TheEuphoriastar previouslyshared photos from the festivitieson Saturday. “No better way to celebrate my momma than a surprise hoedown,” she wrote in the caption.The party included line dancing and a mechanical bull, as well as jean jacket embroidery, hatchet throwing, archery and a live band.Sweeney is currently gearing up for the74th Primetime Emmy Awards, where she’s received two first-time nominations. She’s up for outstanding supporting actress in a drama series for season 2 ofEuphoria, as well as outstanding supporting actress in a limited or anthology series or movie forWhite Lotus.“I’m excited, I’m in disbelief, I’m beyond appreciative. It’s a great day!” shetold PEOPLElast month, explaining that her family was the first people she called with the news.RELATED VIDEO: ‘White Lotus’ Star Sydney Sweeney’s Long Journey (20-Hour Drives for Auditions!) to Success"I was in the car and my phone started blowing up. I saw it and I called my mom,” Sweeney added. “Then, I called my team, then my dad, then my brother. I was just … sitting in the car!”

Sydney Sweeneyis facing backlash over photos from a recent family function.

Afterthrowing a surprise hoedown-themed partyin Idaho for her mom’s 60th birthday, the current Emmy Award nominee, 24, responded to online criticism of aphotothat shows one relative wearing a “Blue Lives Matter” T-shirt.

Her brother Trent Sweeney also sharedphotosthat showed guests wearing parody MAGA hats, printed with: “Make Sixty Great Again.”

“You guys this is wild. An innocent celebration for my mom’s milestone 60th birthday has turned into an absurd political statement, which was not the intention. Please stop making assumptions,” Sweeneywroteon Twitter. “Much love to everyone and Happy Birthday Mom!”

Sweeney was met with further criticism in the replies. “Then you should’ve selected other pictures to post that wouldn’t be left up to interpretation in this manner. Lesson learned for you, I ‘assume,'” one personwrote.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Others came to her defense. “My dad voted for Trump (twice) and I still love him lmao, just because your family thinks one way doesn’t mean you all have to think the same,” anothertweeted.

TheEuphoriastar previouslyshared photos from the festivitieson Saturday. “No better way to celebrate my momma than a surprise hoedown,” she wrote in the caption.

The party included line dancing and a mechanical bull, as well as jean jacket embroidery, hatchet throwing, archery and a live band.

Sweeney is currently gearing up for the74th Primetime Emmy Awards, where she’s received two first-time nominations. She’s up for outstanding supporting actress in a drama series for season 2 ofEuphoria, as well as outstanding supporting actress in a limited or anthology series or movie forWhite Lotus.

“I’m excited, I’m in disbelief, I’m beyond appreciative. It’s a great day!” shetold PEOPLElast month, explaining that her family was the first people she called with the news.

RELATED VIDEO: ‘White Lotus’ Star Sydney Sweeney’s Long Journey (20-Hour Drives for Auditions!) to Success

“I was in the car and my phone started blowing up. I saw it and I called my mom,” Sweeney added. “Then, I called my team, then my dad, then my brother. I was just … sitting in the car!”

source: people.com