Fact Check: Did Sydney Sweeney call Democrats ‘retarded’ during an interview?

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: A rumor has been going viral on social media platforms claiming that actress Sydney Sweeney said Democrats are “retarded,” sparking both criticism and support online.

The claim has also created confusion among users questioning its authenticity. Let us analyze the origins of the viral claim and fact-check its authenticity.

Claim: Sydney Sweeney said Democrats are 'retarded'

The claim spread in the form of a video showing an interview involving Sweeney, where a podcaster tells her that she “sounds like a Democrat,” to which she responds, “I’m not retarded.”

The alleged statement is going viral across social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube, gaining millions of views while drawing support from conservative spaces and criticism from others.

Some users also remained skeptical and questioned the authenticity of the clip, with a few suggesting it may have been generated using Artificial Intelligence.

Fact Check: The clip is from the latest episode of 'Euphoria'

The clip is authentic, but the claim is misleading because it is a scene from the latest season of 'Euphoria,' in which Sweeney’s character, Cassie, becomes an influencer and appears in an interview.

In the show’s latest episode, Cassie continues her storyline as the character begins a press tour to capitalize on her internet fame, during which she makes several controversial remarks.

Sweeney’s character also repeats several manosphere-style talking points during a montage of press appearances, discussing traditional gender roles and modern masculinity.

She adds, “American men have been treated like second-class citizens,” while also saying, “In the past, men used to be hunters and gatherers and protectors. Now, they’re being forced to walk around on their tippy toes. It’s not natural!”

The host then responds, “You sound like a Democrat,” leading Cassie (Sweeny) to say, “I am not retarded."

Sydney Sweeney addresses 'MAGA Barbie' label

Sweeney has previously faced online labels and political speculation after being repeatedly dubbed “MAGA Barbie” across social media. She later addressed the rumors in a new interview while promoting her lingerie brand, making it clear that she does not want politics to define her public image.

In an interview published by Cosmopolitan on January 29, the 28-year-old actress said the political narratives attached to her name were never her doing.

Instead, she said her decision to stay quiet had allowed others to project their own ideas onto her.

“I've never been here to talk about politics,” Sweeney said. “I’ve always been here to make art, so this is just not a conversation I want to be at the forefront of.”