Ruby Rose Criticizes Sydney Sweeney’s ‘Christy’ Performance: Says the Film and the Role “Deserved Better”

The release of “Christy,” Sydney Sweeney’s biopic about legendary boxer Christy Martin, has sparked controversy both inside and outside Hollywood. Ruby Rose, known for her roles in “Batgirl” and “Orange Is the New Black,” took to Threads to publicly denounce Sweeney’s involvement in the film, calling her a “cretin” and claiming, “You ruined the film. Period. Christy deserved better.”

Box Office Disappointment and Backlash

“Christy” debuted in over 2,000 North American theaters, earning a modest $1.3 million against a $15 million production budget—a performance that fell short of industry expectations. While some attributed the disappointing box office to broader market trends, Rose pointed to deeper issues with the film’s casting and creative direction.

Ruby Rose’s Connection to ‘Christy’

Rose revealed she was previously attached to play Cherry, Christy Martin’s high school girlfriend, in an earlier version of the film. “The original Christy Martin script was incredible. Life changing,” Rose wrote. “Most of us were actually gay. It’s part of why I stayed in acting. Losing roles happens all the time.”

Rose’s comments suggest that the film’s early development involved a cast and crew with a personal connection to the material and the LGBTQ+ community—a dynamic she feels was lost with the final iteration. Sources close to the production told Variety that Black Bear, the film’s distributor, was never attached during Rose’s involvement, indicating her participation occurred in a previous version before the current team came on board.

Political Undertones and Allegations

Rose also criticized Sweeney for her alleged Republican Party affiliation, referencing reports that Sweeney registered as a Republican in Florida in June 2024. This news surfaced in the run-up to Donald Trump’s victory over Kamala Harris in the presidential election, with Trump publicly celebrating Sweeney’s reported political leanings.

“For her PR to talk about it flopping and saying SS did it for the ‘people.’ None of ‘the people’ want to see someone who hates them, parading around pretending to be us,” Rose wrote, implying that Sweeney’s perceived politics were at odds with the film’s themes and audience.

Sweeney has never publicly confirmed or denied her party affiliation, and her representatives, along with Black Bear and Rose’s team, declined to comment on the controversy.

Critical Reception and Sweeney’s Response

Despite the drama, “Christy” has received praise from critics, particularly for Sweeney’s performance. Variety’s chief film critic Owen Gleiberman called her portrayal “wrenching,” describing the film as a powerful portrait of abuse, enabling, gaslighting, and the devastating impact of domestic violence.

In response to the film’s box office performance, Sweeney issued a heartfelt statement on Instagram:
“We don’t always just make art for numbers, we make it for impact. And ‘Christy’ has been the most impactful project of my life… This film stands for survival, courage, and hope. Through our campaigns, we’ve helped raise awareness for so many affected by domestic violence. We all signed on to this film with the belief that Christy’s story could save lives.”

Sweeney emphasized that the project’s true value lies in its message: “If Christy gave even one woman the courage to take her first step toward safety, then we will have succeeded.”

The Legacy of ‘Christy’

Directed by David Michôd and co-starring Ben Foster, “Christy” chronicles Christy Martin’s rise to fame and the abuse she endured from her coach-turned-husband. The film aims to shine a light on the realities of domestic violence and inspire hope for survivors.

While the film continues its theatrical run, the debate surrounding its production and casting choices highlights the complex intersection of representation, politics, and storytelling in Hollywood. As “Christy” seeks to make an impact beyond the box office, the conversation it has sparked—both positive and negative—may prove to be its lasting legacy.

“Christy” is now playing in theaters nationwide, distributed by Black Bear.