Christy Martin steps into the ring to defend Sydney Sweeney amid ongoing backlash

Sydney Sweeney has undeniably made a habit of courting controversy over the past year.

Now with her new boxing biopic Christy at the centre of the most recent backlash, it appears Sweeney has settled firmly into the camp of controversial celebs.

But in the wake of her most recent spat with fellow actor Ruby Rose – who shockingly referred to Sweeney as a "cretin" this week – the boxing legend whom the polarising star portrayed has now leapt into the ring to defend her.

Here's a complete breakdown of the most recent of Sweeney's flirtations with infamy - including what Christy Martin has now said in her defence.

What is Christy about?

The film follows the life and career of famed boxer Christy Martin, who overcame a multitude of personal and professional barriers to become a trailblazer of women's boxing.

Throughout her sporting journey, Martin endured considerable adversity; she was shot and stabbed by ex-husband and former coach James V. Martin in 2010, and alleged that he was both emotionally and physically abusive towards her throughout the entirety of relationship.

Despite marrying James at 22 years old, Martin has said she knew she was gay since she was primary school-aged.

She has since married wife Lisa, a fellow boxer who she first crossed paths with in 2001.

Sydney Sweeney was attached to portray Martin in May last year.

What happened?

Negative discourse surrounding Sydney Sweeney's portrayal of a lesbian character has been building for quite some time, with many saying it was inappropriate to cast the straight actress in an LGBT+ role.

The backlash came to a head when Australian actor Ruby Rose issued a scathing spray about Sweeney's performance in the film.

The 39-year-old slammed Sweeney for playing the gay character, before revealing she was once connected to the movie in its early stages.

"The original Christy Martin script was incredible. Life changing. I was attached to play Cherry," Rose wrote on social media platform Threads.

"Everyone had experience with the core material," the Orange is the New Black actor continued.

"Most of us were actually gay. It's part of why I stayed in acting. Losing roles happens all the time.

"For her PR to talk about it flopping and saying SS did it for the 'people'. None of 'the people' want to see someone who hates them, parading around pretending to be us.

"You're a cretin and you ruined the film. Period. Christy deserved better."

What has Christy Martin now said in Sweeney's defence?

The subject of the film – who has made numerous awards show and event appearances alongside Sweeney – was quick to defend the star, sharing a post to Instagram amid the fallout.

The boxer sought to set the record straight, describing Sweeney as her "friend and ally."

"I've always been a fighter. My life reflected that in every way and now I fight for others." Martin began.

"The past few days I have seen some people attack my friend Sydney Sweeney," Martin added, directly addressing the online hate Sweeney received.

She continued "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.

"I want to be clear about who Syd is."

How has Sydney Sweeney responded?

Apparently as unphased about the drama as ever, it was business as usual for Sweeney, who stepped out for the GQ Men of the Year awards.

If Rose's comments had any affect on her, the blonde bombshell certainly didn't show it; appearing decidedly nonplussed in a racy skin-tight velvet number.

A bejewelled choker offset the look, which she accentuated with wet-look hair and a dramatic eye.

The star has not responded directly to comments made by Rose, but earlier took to Instagram to defiantly defend her role in the boxing flick.

"I am so deeply proud of this movie. proud of the film David made. Proud of the story we told. Proud to represent someone as strong and resilient as Christy Martin. This experience has been one of the greatest honors of my life.

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