Sydney Sweeney is facing criticism over a graphic moment featured in the newest season of Euphoria.
The long-awaited third season of the HBO drama arrived last night (April 12). It also includes the late Eric Dane, appearing in what is being described as one of his final acting roles prior to his death in February.
Zendaya, Jacob Elordi, Maude Aptow, and Sydney Sweeney have all returned to the series, with viewers having waited four years for new episodes.
The show has long been known for provocative storylines, and season three appears to be continuing that approach.
A specific scene has sparked significant backlash online. In it, Sweeney’s character Cassie is shown making content for a newly launched OnlyFans account while styled in a baby-themed outfit.
The 28-year-old is seen wearing a sheer top, with her hair in pigtails and a dummy in her mouth, while posing with her legs raised.
Following the scene, social media users criticized Sweeney, HBO, and the show’s screenwriter Sam Levinson, with many arguing the imagery crossed a line.
One person said: “Nothing about this is even remotely amusing or entertaining enough to watch considering the current political/social climate that has forever sexualized babies.”
“Yeah bro that baby sh*t is weird as f**k,” added a second. A different person echoed similar sentiments and said: “Whoever made her do that baby pose with baby pacifier needs to be jailed. That sh*t is uncomfortable.”
Another viewer wrote: “I was gonna give this season of Euphoria a chance, but adding age play to satisfy the pedophilic fetish of some people seems way too sick and disgusting to me.
“I can’t believe someone wrote this script, that it got accepted, that the actresses ARE OKAY WITH IT, and that HBO thinks it’s a good idea to approve its filming and airing.”
“Euphoria has sunk to a new low — Sydney Sweeney’s character is spreading nothing but vulgarity. What a complete sham,” wrote somebody else.
Some also questioned why Sweeney would choose to take part in the scene at all. One person said: “Do actors ever question the scenes they be doing?”
Elsewhere a Euphoria fan branded it ‘weird as f**k’ that Sweeney didn’t say no.
Beyond the reaction to Sweeney’s scene, season three has also drawn underwhelming reviews from some critics and viewers.
While the first season sits at 80 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, the third season has launched with a 44 percent rating on the platform.
One reviewer said: “This was actually so bad, it’s like a completely different show. Only watching it for Zendaya.”
“We lost the plot. Main storyline is oversexualized now,” said a second.
HBO, along with representatives for Sweeney and Levinson, has been contacted for comment.