- - The Real Christy Martin Defends Sydney Sweeney Amid Attacks After ‘Christy’ Box Office Struggles: ‘Syd Worked Her Ass Off’ for the Movie and for Me

Zack SharfNovember 13, 2025 at 8:05 PM

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Gilbert Flores/Variety

Christy Martin is defending Sydney Sweeney as “some people attack” the actor in the wake of their movie, “Christy,” struggling at the box office. Sweeney plays Martin in the eponymous biopic, which chronicles the legendary boxer’s professional triumphs in the ring and personal struggles amid abuse from her coach-turned-husband. The real Martin was involved in the film’s making and joined Sweeney at various press events, including the film’s TIFF world premiere.

“I’ve always been a fighter. My life reflected that in every way and now I fight for others,” Martin wrote on Instagram. “The past few days I have seen some people attack my friend Sydney Sweeney. Syd not only worked her ass off for this film, she worked her ass off for me. For my story. For so many others suffering in silence. So I want to be clear about who Syd is. She is my friend and ally!”

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“Christy” was largely rejected at the box office with $1.3 million in its debut in North America, a disappointing start for a movie that was produced in the $15 million range and carried Oscar buzz for Sweeney. Many social media users rallied against Sweeney and slammed her as a flop after the movie’s debut, prompting the actor to make her own statement about why “Christy” remains so important to her.

“We don’t always just make art for numbers, we make it for impact,” Sweeney captioned a lengthy Instagram post. “And Christy has been the most impactful project of my life.”

“This film stands for survival, courage, and hope. Through our campaigns, we’ve helped raise awareness for so many affected by domestic violence. We all signed on to this film with the belief that Christy’s story could save lives,” she added. “Thank you to everyone who saw, felt, and believed and will believe in this story for years to come. If Christy gave even one woman the courage to take her first step toward safety, then we will have succeeded.”

Sweeney then came under attack from Ruby Rose, the “Orange Is the New Black” and “Batgirl” actor who had been circling a supporting role in “Christy” prior to Sweeney’s involvement in the movie. Rose blasted Sweeney as a “cretin” who “ruined the film. Period. Christy deserved better.”

“Christy” continues to play in theaters nationwide from Black Bear. Check out Martin’s full Instagram post below.

View this post on Instagram

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”