Megyn Kelly is not holding back as she takes aim at Sydney Sweeney’s provocative scene featured in a teaser clip for Euphoria's highly anticipated third season. During a recent episode of The Megyn Kelly Show, Kelly, 55, expressed her outrage over an image of Sweeney’s character, Cassie, dressed in a baby outfit, complete with a pacifier, while striking a suggestive pose.
“She’s in a baby’s outfit. She’s sucking on a binky pacifier, and her legs are completely spread,” Kelly said, slamming the depiction as 'sexualizing infancy'.
The former Fox personality didn’t mince words as she criticized the scene for crossing a line she believes Hollywood frequently misses. Highlighting her disappointment, Kelly remarked, “I think this is another example, guys, of Hollywood not understanding at all where the line is and how most normal people are going to recoil, even Sydney Sweeney fans, in response to what’s essentially the sexualization of a child, of a baby.”
Kelly's critique extends beyond Sweeney, aiming at Euphoria’s creator, Sam Levinson, whom she dubbed a “sick jerk” for crafting such a storyline. Levinson, however, defended the narrative in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, emphasizing the absurdity intended in the scene to avoid being too immersed in Cassie’s fantasy.
The controversial baby scene is only the start of Cassie's wild journey this season. In the premiere episode, Cassie is also seen adopting a canine persona, being walked on a leash. Her character's trajectory is set against the backdrop of her relationship with Nate, played by Jacob Elordi, as they prepare for a lavish wedding.
Despite the uproar, Sydney Sweeney remains unfazed by the controversy. She previously shed light on her character's evolution, stating, “She will do anything and at all costs to be famous this season, and she makes a lot of very wild, interesting choices.”
For Sweeney, the potential conclusion of Euphoria is bittersweet. As she told Entertainment Tonight, “Cassie has been such a big part of my life, so I think it’s a very bittersweet moment, for sure.”
Amidst the drama, Sweeney’s fashion collaborations, like her successful campaign with American Eagle, continue to thrive, proving her enduring appeal even as debates swirl around her on-screen roles.