Ruby Rose blames ‘cretin’ Sydney Sweeney for “Christy” flopping at the box office: ‘You ruined the film’
In a surprising turn of events, Ruby Rose has directed criticism towards Sydney Sweeney following the box office disappointment of the film “Christy.” The movie, featuring Sweeney as the groundbreaking boxer Christy Martin, only managed to attract $1.3 million in its domestic debut, placing it among the lowest openings for films released on over 2,000 screens. This article delves into Rose’s remarks, Sweeney’s response, and the film’s narrative, showcasing the complexities of their public exchange.
Box Office Disappointment
“Christy” made headlines not only for its subject matter but also for its staggering lack of financial success. Drawing just $1.3 million, it has earned a spot on Box Office Mojo’s list of the twelve worst openings in its category. Following the dismal figures, Ruby Rose didn’t mince words when attributing the film’s failure to Sweeney. On Threads, she expressed her disappointment, stating, “The original Christy Martin script was incredible. Life changing.” Rose pointed out that many involved had a personal connection to the story, further highlighting her dissatisfaction with Sweeney’s involvement.
Ruby Rose’s Critique
Rose elaborated on her feelings of frustration, arguing that Sweeney’s portrayal of Martin—a character steeped in LGBTQ+ experiences—did a disservice to the essence of the story. She remarked, “For her PR to talk about it flopping and saying SS did it for the ‘people.’ None of ‘the people’ want to see someone who hates them, parading around pretending to be us. You’re a cretin and you ruined the film. Period. Christy deserved better.” This caustic commentary has generated buzz in the entertainment community, fueling discussions about the lead roles in LGBTQ+ narratives.
Sydney Sweeney’s Response
In the wake of Ruby Rose’s pointed remarks, Sweeney took to social media to express her pride in the project despite the financial setback. She noted, “This experience has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” emphasizing the film’s themes of survival and courage. In her statement, she underscored that the impact of the story matters more than box office numbers. “If Christy gave even one woman the courage to take her first step toward safety, then we will have succeeded,” she asserted, reinforcing her belief in the importance of storytelling beyond financial metrics.
The Story of Christy Martin
The film delves into the dual life of Christy Martin, highlighting her achievements in boxing and the challenges she faced as a survivor of domestic abuse. After marrying her coach, Jim Martin, in 1991, she endured a harrowing experience when he attempted to take her life years later. The story serves as both a testament to her strength as an athlete and her resilience as a survivor. In press engagements, Martin has praised Sweeney’s performance, noting how she fully embodied the character in a way that resonated with the film’s goals.
As the conversations surrounding “Christy” unfold, both Ruby Rose and Sydney Sweeney continue to garner attention for their respective perspectives—further complicating the discussions around representation and authenticity in filmmaking. With the box office aftermath still fresh, the dynamics of their relationship promise to spark ongoing debate in the industry.
