Sydney Sweeney is facing a wave of online criticism following the underperformance of her latest film Christy, but now one of the most important voices tied to the project is stepping into the spotlight — the real Christy Martin herself.

Martin, the legendary boxer whose life story inspired the film, has come forward with a powerful and emotional message defending Sweeney against what she calls “unfair and cruel” attacks circulating on social media.

In a statement posted to her official accounts, Martin praised Sweeney not just as an actor, but as a person who treated her story with deep respect.

“I’ve always been a fighter. My life reflected that in every way and now I fight for others,” Martin wrote.
“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!”

Her message arrives at a critical moment, as online commentators question whether Sweeney’s rising stardom has stalled after the film opened below expectations. Critics of the actress have unfairly placed the film’s performance solely on her shoulders — a trend that Martin says completely misses the truth.

According to insiders close to the production, Sweeney spent months training to embody Martin’s intense physicality, as well as countless hours working directly with the former champion to ensure honesty and accuracy in portraying the darkest, most painful chapters of her life.

Martin emphasized that the film was never meant to be a glossy blockbuster, but a raw portrait of survival — and Sweeney understood that from the beginning.

“She brought compassion, strength, and everything she had,” Martin continued.
“No one has honored my story the way Sydney did. Anyone attacking her is attacking the wrong person.”

Fans of both Sweeney and Martin have since rallied online, amplifying Martin’s message and calling for more empathy toward the young actress, who has taken increasingly bold risks in her career.

Industry analysts also note that box office numbers don’t always reflect a film’s long-term cultural impact — and biographical dramas notoriously rely more on awards-season traction and streaming audiences than opening-weekend ticket sales.

For now, Martin’s words stand as a powerful reminder that behind every film lies real people, real stories, and real work.

And for Christy Martin, the fight continues — this time, in defense of a friend.