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Euphoria actress Sydney Sweeney is receiving backlash for her comments on money after fans discovered she recently bought a $3 million property in Los Angeles.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter published on Wednesday, July 27, the HBO star, 24, revealed that if she "wanted to take a six-month break," she wouldn't "have the income to cover that."
"I don't have someone supporting me, I don't have anyone I can turn to, to pay my bills or call for help."
Sweeney explained: "They don't pay actors like they used to, and with streamers, you no longer get residuals," she said, referring to a shift in how audiences digest entertainment today. "The established stars still get paid, but I have to give 5 percent to my lawyer, 10 percent to my agents, 3 percent or something like that to my business manager. I have to pay my publicist every month, and that's more than my mortgage."
The Spokane, Washington, native added that if she "just acted," she "wouldn't be able to afford" her West Coast lifestyle and disclosed she takes "deals because I have to."
Apart from acting, the Everything Sucks alum is a Miu Miu ambassador and was featured in an Armani beauty campaign. She also launched her own production company, Fifty-Fifty Films, amid the coronavirus pandemic.
After the article was published, many pointed out that Sweeney dropped $3 million on a five bedroom, four bathroom property in the Westwood neighborhood of L.A. in November 2021, according to Dirt.
The Tudor-style home was built in 1933 and is situated atop a hill with golf course views. The 3,200 square-foot pad boasts a fireplace, large backyard and wood beams throughout.
"Literally who cares if you can't take a 6 month break from work if you could get the down payment on a 3 million dollar house," one person wrote via Twitter. "It's so cringe."
"Barely making it ----- But she bought a 3 million-dollar mansion ..." another added, while a third sarcastically said: "Surely, the mortgage on her $3 million L.A. mansion is a great monthly expense, but hopefully the golf course view from the front porch eases the pain. - I feel so badly for her."
Others, however, defended the Emmy-nominated star. "She's not complaining about the mortgage. She's complaining about the fact that a publicist charges more than a 3 million dollar mortgage," they said. "You should read to comprehend instead of reading to respond."
Meanwhile, someone else pointed out: "Euphoria has had 18 episodes in the span of 3 years. After taxes, agent and manager fees, etc. I wouldn't be surprised if Sydney ends up netting around $75k. Why do you think she does multiple shows?? Not out of boredom. She needs the money. L.A. ain't cheap."
Sweeney also stood up for herself in the same THR interview, admitting she maxed out her budget and didn't have funds left over to afford a security gate.
"I couldn't believe I was even able to buy a house," she told the outlet. "I want to be able to stay there."
Newsweek reached out to Sweeney's representative for comment.
About the writer
Megan Cartwright is Newsweek's Deputy Entertainment Editor, based in London, U.K. Her focus is on U.S. pop culture and entertainment ... Read more