Chloe Cherry, co-star to Sydney Sweeney in the HBO series Euphoria, has publicly discussed the recent controversies surrounding Sweeney and her character, Cassie Howard’s storyline.

Criticism of the OnlyFans Storyline

Cherry expressed surprise and criticism regarding Cassie’s decision to pursue a career on OnlyFans, especially considering the character’s privileged background. She stated it was “crazy” that someone with Cassie’s resources would turn to sex work, emphasizing that economic hardship is the primary reason people engage in such platforms.

Economic Pressures as a Driving Force

Cherry’s perspective is informed by her own experiences. She openly discussed entering the adult film industry after the loss of her father, suggesting she would have pursued traditional education had her circumstances been different. By 2019, her films had garnered over 125 million views on Pornhub.

She believes the rise of platforms like OnlyFans is a direct result of a struggling economy and a symptom of broader societal issues. Cherry predicts future generations will view the current normalization of OnlyFans with confusion, recognizing it as a product of the economic pressures of the 2020s.

Controversies Surrounding Sydney Sweeney

Cherry’s comments come amidst wider criticism of Euphoria for its explicit content, including scenes that some viewers found exploitative, such as one involving ‘infancy roleplay’ which drew condemnation from figures like Megyn Kelly.

Political Scrutiny and Advertising Backlash

Sweeney has also faced scrutiny for her political views, being labeled a ‘MAGA Barbie’ due to her Republican affiliation and images of pro-Trump paraphernalia from family gatherings. This reportedly led to the removal of a cameo appearance in the upcoming The Devil Wears Prada sequel, though the decision was framed as a structural issue.

Furthermore, a previous advertising campaign with American Eagle faced criticism for allegedly promoting eugenicist ideas. These combined controversies have placed Sweeney at the center of public debate, prompting Cherry to share her candid assessment.

Cherry transitioned away from adult films after securing her role on Euphoria in 2022.