A quiet tension is building behind the scenes of the hit HBO drama,Euphoria. Sources indicate a once-close friendship between Zendaya and Sydney Sweeney is fracturing, reportedly strained by deeply opposing political beliefs.
For six years, the actresses navigated the intense world of the show together, forging a bond that seemed genuine. But a growing divide has emerged, fueled by differing perspectives and public scrutiny, threatening to reshape their professional relationship.
The shift reportedly stems from controversy surrounding Sweeney’s recent advertising campaign for American Eagle. A playful tagline referencing “genes” ignited a firestorm of criticism, drawing comparisons to harmful ideologies and sparking a wider conversation about the actress’s political affiliations.
Reports soon surfaced detailing Sweeney’s voting record, revealing her as a registered Republican. While she has remained publicly silent on the matter, the revelation has created a palpable distance between her and Zendaya, a vocal advocate for progressive causes.
Zendaya’s passionate opposition to former President Trump is well-documented. Following his initial election victory in 2016, she openly expressed her dismay, describing herself as “speechless, petrified, heartbroken and weary.” This stark contrast with Sweeney’s perceived silence has reportedly become a significant point of contention.
Insiders now claim Zendaya is actively seeking to avoid public appearances with Sweeney, specifically refusing joint press engagements for the upcoming season ofEuphoria. The concern is that any perceived association could be interpreted as tacit approval of Sweeney’s views.
The situation is delicate, as Sweeney previously celebrated Zendaya’s Emmy win in 2020, showering her with praise and admiration. She described Zendaya as a “boss-a” and expressed immense pride in her colleague’s success.
Sweeney recently addressed the backlash to the jeans ad, hinting at a future statement but remaining tight-lipped for now. She stated simply, “When I have an issue I want to speak about, people will hear.”
Even former President Trump weighed in on the controversy, publicly praising Sweeney’s ad campaign and using it as a point of attack against Taylor Swift, whom he labeled “no longer hot” for her perceived political leanings. His comments further amplified the existing tensions.
American Eagle swiftly defended its campaign, emphasizing that the focus was solely on the product and celebrating individual style. However, the damage to the actresses’ relationship appears to be done.
The once-familiar dynamic between Zendaya and Sweeney, so visible at the premiere ofEuphoriayears ago, now seems a distant memory. The future of their professional and personal connection remains uncertain, overshadowed by a growing political chasm.
