Sydney Sweeney defends divisive 'Euphoria' creator Sam Levinson, saying if she and her costars felt uncomfortable on set, they'd 'all speak up'

• Sydney Sweeney defended "Euphoria" and "The Idol" creator Sam Levinson in a new interview.
• His shows have been criticized for excessive nudity and accusations of objectifying female characters.

Sydney Sweeney supported "Euphoria" creator Sam Levinson amid increasing backlash of his projects.

Sweeney, known for her breakout role as high schooler Cassie Howard on "Euphoria," spoke highly of Levinson, who serves as the writer and director of the racy HBO drama, in a new interview with Variety published Wednesday.

In addition to creating "Euphoria," Levinson is also the mind behind another contentious series, "The Idol." The show premiered on HBO in June, cocreated by Levinson, Reza Fahim, and The Weeknd, who also plays the main male character, Tedros.

"Euphoria," which focuses on a drug addict named Rue Bennett (played by Zendaya), and "The Idol," centered on a blossoming pop star named Jocelyn (Lily-Rose Depp) have been criticized for overly gratuitous nudity. Viewers have also accused the shows of objectifying their female characters.

Speaking to Variety, Sweeney said that she and her "Euphoria" costars would speak up if they felt uncomfortable or took issue with aspects of Levinson's production.

"You have me, you have Z, you have all of these very strongminded, independent women," she said, referring to Zendaya. "If we didn't feel comfortable with something, or we saw something we didn't like, we'd all speak up."

"It's hard to see someone completely trashed by the public and the media when no one's actually there," she said of Levinson. "We are there, and clearly we're still working on the show, and we're still supportive."

"The point is making people uncomfortable, and thinking outside the box. What else is the point of art?" Sweeney said. "For me, I feel so free and confident now. And I've found that through Cassie."

Sweeney has previously spoken about her positive experience working with Levinson.

In 2022, the Emmy-nominated actor told The Independent that she "never felt like Sam has pushed it on me or was trying to get a nude scene into an HBO show."

Sweeney said she spoke up when she felt nudity was unnecessary, and Levinson didn't force the issue.

Depp, the star of "The Idol" also defended Levinson.

Back in March, pre-release, Rolling Stone published a feature in which several sources close to the production of "The Idol" described the process as a "shitshow," particularly after original director Amy Seimetz exited and Levinson took over. Sources said that under Levinson's direction, the show underwent an overhaul, and script drafts featured scenes that read like "sexual torture porn."

In a statement provided to Rolling Stone, Depp said that she never "felt more supported or respected in a creative space, my input and opinions more valued."