Megyn Kelly has taken issue with Sydney Sweeney’s daring outfit choice at Variety’s “Power of Women” celebration in Los Angeles, calling the actress’s sheer gown inappropriate and “completely see-through.”
During a recent episode of her SiriusXM show, the former Fox News host commented on the sparkly silver dress that Sweeney wore on the red carpet, arguing that it left little to the imagination.
“I object to this,” Kelly said. “I disapprove of the dress she wore because it's completely see-through. You can see her entire nipples.”
Megyn Kelly suggests Sydney Sweeney was “misled” into wearing the dress
Kelly, who emphasized that she is a fan of the 28-year-old actress, speculated that Sweeney might have been convinced by a stylist or designer to wear the revealing gown.
Credit: Gary Gershoff/Getty Images.
“I think she might have been misled into it,” Kelly said. "That's my bet, because, like when I did a saucy photo shoot one time for GQ, what I wore was appropriate. It was just a slip dress. That's all it was. I did not show anything close to areola then, I never would."
“She’s very young, and I guarantee you, somebody brought the dress to her and was like, ‘Now we'll take it next level.’ And she trusted the wrong person. Before you knew it, we had all seen it," Kelly added.
Kelly drew a comparison to Kim Kardashian’s tendency to “overshare,” saying that Sweeney’s look undermined the appeal of leaving something to the imagination. “She reminded me of Kim Kardashian,” Kelly said. “She overshares and takes away the thing that is the sexiest; the mystery of it all.”
Sydney Sweeney stuns on the red carpet despite criticism
Despite Kelly’s disapproval, Sweeney turned heads on the red carpet in her shimmering silver gown, which featured a sheer bodice and a structured, floor-length skirt. The actress paired the look with dangling silver earrings and matching rings, completing the ensemble with soft glam makeup and her new platinum blonde bob.
Sydney Sweeney at Variety's 2025 Power Of Women. Credit: Steve Granitz / Getty Images.
Sweeney appeared confident and cheerful as she posed for photos with fellow honorees Jamie Lee Curtis, Sharon Stone, and Kate Hudson. She was among several women recognized at the event for their contributions to entertainment and advocacy.
The actress reflects on ‘Euphoria’ and upcoming projects
Before the ceremony, Sweeney spoke with Variety about filming the third and final season of her hit HBO series Euphoria, describing the process as “bittersweet.”
“It’s been my entire twenties,” she said. “They’ve been my family and friends for so long. I’ve been forever grateful for all of them.”
Her appearance at the gala came just one day after she attended the 2025 World Series in Los Angeles, where she went viral for eating a hot dog in the stands while supporting the Dodgers. Sweeney also recently received the Spotlight Award at the screening of Christy, a biopic in which she portrays former boxer Christy Martin.
Sweeney on body image, confidence, and natural beauty
In a separate interview with Variety, Sweeney dismissed speculation about cosmetic surgery, saying she has never had any procedures done. “I’ve never gotten anything done. I’m absolutely terrified of needles. No tattoos, nothing. I’m going to age gracefully,” she said.
Sweeney also addressed her reputation as a sex symbol, saying she’s simply expressing confidence in herself. “I play a lot of divisive characters, and people think they know me, but they don’t,” she explained. “When people say, ‘She’s a sex symbol,’ I’m like, ‘No, I just feel good and I’m doing it for myself.’”
The actress added: “I hope I can inspire other women to feel confident and flaunt what they have, because you shouldn’t have to apologize or hide in any room.”