WWE legend Saraya, formerly known as Paige, has passionately addressed the ongoing conversation about Australian actress Sydney Sweeney during the “Hot Topics” segment of her show. Saraya criticized the hypocrisy surrounding the backlash against Sweeney, who is frequently in the headlines for her striking looks and controversial roles.
Kicking off her commentary, Saraya pointed out that Sweeney has become a sensation precisely because of her beauty, making headlines not just for her acting in shows like HBO’s “The White Lotus,” but also for her daring fashion choices. “She’s already controversial, you know? Because she’s always in the news for something. Because she’s a beautiful woman. And she uses that to her advantage,” Saraya proclaimed, arguing that there’s nothing wrong with leveraging one’s appearance.
Saraya’s remarks come at a time when Sweeney has been scrutinized for her participation in the influencer landscape, where many promote their images for personal gain. Saraya urged people to reconsider their stance, asking, “What is the reason behind people being angry with the woman for doing what the world already focuses on?” She emphasized that beauty should be embraced, stating, “If you’re beautiful, use it. Use the assets you have.”
Additionally, Saraya pointed out the broader societal issue of “sex sells,” highlighting that many in the entertainment industry engage in similar practices without facing the same degree of backlash. She noted, “There’s millions of women and men doing Only Fans out there. S*x sells. It’s always sold. It is what it is.” In doing so, she encouraged viewers to recognize Sweeney’s talent and hard work beyond her appearance.
Sweeney has effectively increased her visibility through high-profile gigs, award shows, and popular commercials, prompting Saraya and her co-hosts to assert that her rise to fame is a result of strategic public relations rather than mere luck. Saraya remarked on Sweeney’s knack for generating buzz, stating, “This is not chaos. This is strategy. Whatever she’s doing, we want her PR team to give us a call.”
The discussion also touched on the controversy surrounding an American Eagle advertisement where Sweeney faced criticism for supposed racist imagery. Saraya acknowledged the concerns but questioned the credibility of the backlash, suggesting it may have been unintentionally beneficial for the brand by prompting conversations and increasing their visibility online.
In a surprising turn, Saraya hinted at Sweeney stepping into the wrestling ring, albeit in a metaphorical sense, asserting that Sweeney is tackling every relevant issue surrounding beauty, branding, and Hollywood culture effectively. According to Saraya, this should be applauded rather than condemned.
Through her candid commentary, Saraya advocates for a shift in perspective regarding the treatment of women like Sweeney in the spotlight, encouraging a celebration of their achievements rather than focusing on negative criticisms.