Sydney Sweeney and her boyfriend Scooter Braun were seen strolling hand‑in‑hand through Manhattan on Saturday, hours before the season‑three finale of HBO's *Euphoria* aired. Their stylish black outfits and affectionate demeanor provided a stark contrast to the heated debate surrounding Sweeney's portrayal of Cassie Howard, whose storyline has drawn accusations of misogyny.

Manhattan Date Night Hours Before Cassie's Finale

According to Page Six,the pair walked the bustling streets of New York City in matching black ensembles, with Sweeney wearing a plunging dress and Louboutin heels while Braun donned a fitted jacket and tailored trousers. observers noted Braun leaning in to whisper to Sweeney, prompting smiles that suggested a relaxed,private moment amid the public scrutiny.

Braun Defends Sweeney’s Provocative Scenes on "Second Thought" Podcast

In a recent appearance on the *Second Thought* podcast with Suzy Weiss, Braun praised Sweeney’s performance without naming her, saying, "I'm biased, I like it .. i think there's been an incredible performance by a certain actress ." He went on to affirm his support for the actress’s nude and fetish‑laden scenes, describing them as part of her job and a testament to her dedication.

Fans Decry Cassie Howard’s Fetish Storyline

The third season of *Euphoria* has sparked a wave of criticism, with many viewers labeling Cassie Howard’s arc—who is depicted as an adult‑content creator—as degrading. Recent episodes feature the character wrestling a yellow python, dressing as a baby and a dog , and appearing nearly nude, prompting accusations that creator Sam Levinson is using the character for humiliation. Rotten Tomatoes reflects the backlash, showing a 40 % rating for season three, a sharp decline from the 80 % and 78 % scores of the first two seasons.

What Remains Unclear About the Show’s Direction

Two specific questions linger: Will the finale provide a meaningful resolution for Cassie Howard, or will it double down on the controversial fetish elements? And how will HBO respond to the growing criticism—will future seasons tone down the explicit content or double‑down on the shock factor?