Creator Addresses Backlash Over Explicit Content in Final Season
Following the recent series finale of the acclaimed drama Euphoria, creator Sam Levinson is addressing fan criticism regarding the explicit nature of scenes featuring Sydney Sweeney’s character, Cassie Howard. Many viewers expressed shock and outrage over the extensive nudity and sexualized content, particularly as Cassie navigates a new career as an OnlyFans model to earn money.
Levinson Claims Sweeney Pushed for Nudity
In a recent appearance on The New York Times’ Popcast, Levinson, who wrote and directed all eight episodes of the final season, stated that he initially envisioned a more restrained approach to Cassie’s storyline, with fewer nude scenes. However, he claims that Sweeney actively advocated for the inclusion of such content.
Levinson recalled a conversation where he suggested exploring ways to film around certain explicit moments. He recounted Sweeney’s response: “She looked at me, and she was like, ‘Are you kidding? It’s like, I’m playing an OnlyFans model. You’re telling me you’re going to, like, skirt around it?'” Levinson acknowledged her point, stating, “‘Yeah, OK, it’s a fair point.’ So there’s always a discussion of what works best for the character.”
Praise for Sweeney’s Professionalism and Fearlessness
The 41-year-old writer and director lauded Sweeney as a “totally fearless actor” and described her as “wonderfully professional.” He emphasized her consistent readiness on set, noting, “show[ed] up game every day.” Levinson expressed his admiration for their collaborative dynamic, highlighting Sweeney’s ability to inject humor and explore different facets of a scene based on her performance.
“There’s a lot of trust that we have,” Levinson stated. He also directly addressed concerns about the show’s overtly sexualized tone, asserting that honest and impactful performances stem from actors feeling “free and safe.” He believes that any tension can hinder emotional authenticity, a principle he learned during his own acting studies.
Sweeney Responds to Critics with “It’s Called… Acting”
In the lead-up to the finale, Sydney Sweeney herself addressed the criticism surrounding her character’s racy scenes. The actress took to Instagram to share behind-the-scenes glimpses from her time on Euphoria, bidding farewell to Cassie Howard. Among the shared images were moments from a strip club scene featuring a python, a demonstration of her pole dancing skills, and various fetish-themed outfits, including a dog-ear costume and a baseball-themed ensemble.
In a caption accompanying some of these posts, Sweeney seemingly responded to accusations that her scenes were “degrading.” She wrote, “It’s called… acting.” The actress also shared images from Cassie’s storyline as an OnlyFans star, including provocative poses and scenes in her bedroom.
Industry Experts Weigh In on Career Implications
Some industry experts have voiced concerns that Sweeney’s continued portrayal of highly sexualized characters could lead to typecasting. Crisis and reputation management expert Dave Quast commented to Fox News, “The risk is that when the public conversation focuses more on the sexualized aspects of the role than on the performance, the same work that made her seem daring can start to narrow the brand.”
Quast further elaborated, “Sexuality on screen is not inherently unserious. The problem is when it becomes the dominant shorthand for the actor.” He suggested that Sweeney’s challenge lies in ensuring her roles are perceived as deliberate character choices rather than defining her entire professional identity.
Boyfriend Scooter Braun Praises Sweeney’s Performance
Despite the controversy, Sweeney’s boyfriend, Scooter Braun, has expressed his support and admiration for her work. Braun recently praised her “incredible performance” in the show, though he did not specifically name her. He shared a video on Instagram documenting a trip to Times Square with Sweeney, where they enjoyed activities and posed in front of her American Eagle campaign, with Sweeney keeping a low profile.
The couple was first romantically linked in June 2025. Braun, a father of three, previously divorced Yael Cohen Braun in 2021. Sweeney, meanwhile, ended her engagement to Jonathan Davino earlier in 2025.
