Sydney Sweeney Debuts Boxing Skills at Toronto Film Festival Amidst Advertising Controversy
TORONTO, Sept. 6, 2025 – Actress Sydney Sweeney showcased her boxing training at the premiere of epic: Elvis Presley In Concert during the Toronto International Film Festival, appearing in athletic wear and demonstrating boxing combinations for photographers. The display comes as Sweeney navigates public discussion surrounding her recent advertising campaign for Lee Jeans, which sparked debate over its perceived sexualization.Sweeney’s appearance at TIFF included a brief, impromptu boxing demonstration, captured by Getty Images and AFP, where she practiced jabs and footwork. This follows reports of her intensive boxing training regimen, which she has shared on social media.
The boxing demonstration occurred amidst ongoing conversation regarding Sweeney’s Lee jeans campaign. The advertisements, featuring Sweeney in denim shorts, prompted criticism from some who argued they were overly suggestive. Sweeney responded to the criticism in a recent interview, stating she is “disappointed” by the reaction and emphasizing her agency in the creative process. “I’m a businesswoman,” she said. ”I’m trying to create opportunities for myself and I’m very proud of the work I’ve done.”
Sweeney is currently promoting EPiC: Elvis presley In Concert, a film directed by Baz Luhrmann which premiered at TIFF. Other notable attendees at the festival included Luhrmann, Jason Bateman, and Jude Law, who were photographed at the premiere of Black Rabbit.