Taylor Lorenz’s Power User How Sydney Sweeney Lost The Culture War
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Nov 12, 2025 Kat Tenbarge, an online culture journalist and author of Spitfire News, joins to discuss Sydney Sweeney's tumultuous rise as a cultural symbol. They explore how Sweeney's career skyrocketed from roles in 'Euphoria' to facing backlash over controversial moments, including her political branding and a polarizing GQ interview. Their conversation shifts to the impact of online misogyny, the role of tech billionaires in escalating her controversies, and the implications of her recent box office flop. Can Sweeney navigate these challenges for a successful future?
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Sweeney As Culture War Symbol
- Sydney Sweeney has become an avatar for the online culture war as right-wing spaces co-opt her image.
- Her recent box office flop raises whether that cultural capture actually translates to lasting mainstream success.
Birthday Photos Spark Political Questions
- Photos from her mother's birthday showing parody MAGA hats seeded questions about her political comfort zone.
- Sweeney initially dismissed the backlash as innocent family parody, planting early doubts.
From SNL To Mask-Off Registration
- Right-wing actors rapidly declared Sweeney a symbol of 'the death of woke' after her SNL appearance and sexualized branding.
- Her Republican voter registration in 2024 served as a mask-off moment for critics.