- Summary of the X Thread
- This link points to a viral thread (posted on July 26, 2025, by @ethelklore, a Taylor Swift/Ethel Cain fan account) that's amassed over 730K views and 2.7K likes. Titled **"the truth about sydney sweeney; a thread"**, it's a detailed defense of actress Sydney Sweeney (best known for *Euphoria* and *Anyone But You*) against widespread online misinformation. The poster argues that baseless rumors—primarily labeling her as a Trump supporter, Republican, or even a "eugenicist"—stem from misinterpretations of innocuous events and have led to unfair backlash. The thread uses photos, screenshots, and timelines to debunk claims point-by-point, emphasizing her actual activism and career choices. It's structured as a chronological breakdown with evidence, ending on a call for kindness.
- #### Key Claims Debunked and Evidence Provided
- Here's a breakdown of the main sections:
- 1. **Background on Sweeney and the Thread's Purpose**
- - Quick bio: Born Sept. 12, 1997, in Spokane, WA; Emmy-nominated in 2022.
- - Motivation: Counter "fake news" that's turned everything she does into fodder for attacks, especially post-2024 election vibes.
- 2. **The 2022 Birthday Party Controversy (Core of the Rumors)**
- - Context: Sweeney threw a rodeo/country-themed 60th birthday bash for her mom, Lisa, in 2022. She shared decor on Instagram (balloons, cakes, cowboy hats).
- - Misinfo #1: "Make Sixty Great Again" hats = MAGA endorsement.
- - **Debunk**: Playful pun on her mom's age, like "Make America Gay Again" merch. Not provided by hosts; common at themed parties. (Photos of hats and party setup included.)
- - Misinfo #2: Photo of Sweeney next to a man in a "Blue Lives Matter" shirt proves family conservatism.
- - **Debunk**: Not her dad (parents divorced years ago); just one random guest in country attire. Her real dad is shown in family pics (younger, not gray-haired). (Side-by-side photos.)
- - Overall: Party was wholesome family fun, not political—evidenced by her IG posts and real-time Telegram channel coverage.
- 3. **Sweeney's Actual Political Stance and Activism**
- - **BLM Support (2020)**: Paused film projects to amplify Black voices; shared dozens of resources (e.g., bail funds, reading lists). Far more posts than she publicly archived—full archive from a fan Telegram. (Screenshots of IG stories: George Floyd tributes, anti-racism calls.)
- - **Quotes from Her**:
- - 2020: "I stand with BLM... Silence is not an option."
- - 2021 interview: On *Euphoria*'s Cassie, "It's about owning your choices, not letting others define you." (Ties into broader empowerment themes.)
- - Upcoming Role: Starring as Kim Novak in Colman Domingo's directorial debut—a film tackling racism, white privilege, and her real-life career sabotage over dating Black entertainer Sammy Davis Jr. Domingo (LGBTQ+ and racial justice advocate) praised her casting.
- - Rhetorical question in thread: Why would he collaborate with a "Trump-loving eugenicist"?
- 4. **Other "Scandals" Addressed**
- - **Immaculate (2024 Horror Film)**: She produced and starred; right-wing critics called it "pro-abortion blasphemy." Official film account trolled back with "Hail Satan" merch. (Screenshots of backlash and responses.)
- - **Acqua for Life Campaign**: Recent philanthropy providing clean water globally.
- - **American Eagle Ad (Later Addition, Aug 2025)**: Viral clip accused of racism (implying "blue lives" via jeans/eyes color play).
- - **Debunk**: Pun on her blue jeans and eyes; campaign highlights various colors/immigrant stories (written by a Latin American creator). American Eagle issued a statement denying any intent; her long-time stylist backed it. Owner Jay Schottenstein (Jewish philanthropist) wouldn't greenlight hate. (Ad stills, IG links, statements.)
- #### Thread Additions and Evolution
- - **July 27 Updates**: Clarifies ad's wordplay (e.g., other color-themed posts).
- - **Aug 2**: American Eagle's full denial.
- - **Aug 14**: Note on Florida's closed primaries—registering Republican there is often practical, not ideological.
- #### Tone and Impact
- The thread is passionate but factual, blending screenshots, links, and humor (e.g., calling out "stupid and negligible" party guests). It positions Sweeney as imperfect but unfairly targeted—not the "mean girl" archetype. Replies are mostly supportive (e.g., "Finally someone said it!"), with some debates on celebrity politics. No major controversies in replies; it's boosted her image among fans tired of cancel culture.
- https://nitter.poast.org/ethelklore/status/1997368421579628970