Hollywood’s latest “It Girl,” Sydney Sweeney, has found herself in the midst of a social media storm after allegedly revealing her use of an illegal streaming service. The 26-year-old actress, known for her roles in “Euphoria” and “Anyone But You,” recently shared glimpses of her newly purchased $13 million oceanfront mansion in Florida on Instagram. However, the luxurious property didn’t capture her followers’ attention.
In a now-viral Instagram Story, Sweeney posted a photo of her big-screen television displaying an episode of “Law & Order: Organized Crime.” Eagle-eyed fans quickly pointed out that the actress might have been using a pirated streaming service to watch the show. One user on X, formerly known as Twitter, remarked, “My girl pirating so real,” sparking a wave of reactions and further scrutiny.
Despite the controversy, many fans have rallied behind Sweeney, expressing empathy for her apparent decision to avoid paying for multiple streaming subscriptions. One user commented, “All the shows we want to watch are all on different streaming services. WE NOT PAYING FOR 8 DIFFERENT SERVICES AND NEITHER IS MRS. SWEENEY.” Another supporter noted, “As she should, because who do we look paying for 10 platforms when we can watch different movies for free in one place.”
The platform identified in the picture is suspected to be Myflixtor, a known site for free streaming of movies and TV shows. “I know Myflixtor when I see her,” one X user confidently claimed. Despite the potential legal implications, the incident has highlighted the frustrations many people feel about the fragmented streaming market.
Outside of the streaming controversy, Sydney Sweeney has been vocal about her methods of maintaining mental health. In an interview with PEOPLE Magazine, she credited her dog, Tank, as a significant source of comfort. “My dog, Tank, really is so important in my own self-care process,” she shared. “Whether it is just playing with her, taking her to the dog park, or taking her on a walk, it just lets me take a moment and unplug from everything else.”
Sweeney also revealed her love for reading as another way to unwind, emphasizing the importance of disconnecting from her busy schedule.
The actress is still mourning the loss of her “Euphoria” co-star Angus Cloud, who passed away in July 2023. Cloud’s sudden death deeply affected Sweeney and the entire “Euphoria” cast. Reflecting on the loss, she told Variety, “I honestly don’t know what to say, just because it’s so personal and close. And whenever we’re talking ‘Euphoria,’ it’s just a really hard thing to think that we’re going to go into the show without him. Because I always said that he was the heart of the show.”
Sydney Sweeney’s rise to fame has not been without its challenges. Following her appearance on “Saturday Night Live,” discussions about her body took a political turn, but the actress remains resolute. “I see it, and I just can’t allow myself to have a reaction,” she told Variety. “People feel connected and free to be able to speak about me in whatever way they want, because they believe that I’ve signed my life away. That I’m not on a human level anymore, because I’m an actor.”
While the legality of her streaming habits is up for debate, her fans’ unwavering support underscores a broader conversation about the accessibility and affordability of entertainment in the modern world.
