Paparazzi Tried to Make Deal to Get Bikini Photos

Sydney Sweeney opened up about the harassment she faces from paparazzi, saying “my actual safety is at risk” when photos are taken of her without consent outside of her home.

In a new interview with Glamour magazine, Sweeney said photographers recently swarmed her house in Florida and shouted at her family who were outside.

“They said, ‘If you tell her to just come outside in a bikini, I’ll take pictures and then I’ll leave you alone,’” Sweeney recalled. Then, she shot down speculation that she calls the paparazzi on herself. “Why would I call the paparazzi to take pictures of me at my own house when my baby cousins and family are there and I’m in my backyard? Why would I ever want that? I have pictures of these guys in kayaks hiding in bushes in the ocean. They got there at 8 a.m. and wouldn’t leave until 4 p.m. I should be able to be in my home and feel comfortable and safe.”

Sweeney clarified that the photographers themselves don’t bother her as much as it is when her location is leaked via their photos, breaching her privacy.

“When those photos go out, then my actual safety is at risk,” Sweeney said. “Everyone knows where I am. Now there’s boats that go by, and I literally hear them say, ‘This is Sydney Sweeney’s house.’ It becomes a star tour in my front yard.”

Elsewhere in her Glamour cover story, Sweeney discussed the constant (and often creepy) discourse surrounding her body. On the positive side, Sweeney said a lot of the comments she gets from young fans are about how she has helped them feel more confident with their bodies.

“That means a lot to me because I really believe in empowering others and feeling powerful with your body and embracing your sexuality,” Sweeney said. “And if you have boobs, great. Flaunt them.”