Sydney Sweeney says domestic violence story in ‘Christy’ is ‘personal’

Sydney Sweeney says the domestic violence storyline in her upcoming film, “Christy,” is “very personal” to her.

In the biopic, Sweeney takes on the role of legendary boxer Christy Martin, who in November 2010 experienced physical abuse at the hands of her then-husband when he stabbed and shot her inside their home.

The 28-year-old actress says stepping into this character’s life was “very personal.”

“It’s a very personal issue that’s important to me, and I hope that through Christy and her story, it can raise more awareness,” Sweeney told Variety in an interview.

Although the actress didn’t elaborate on her connection with the topic, Sweeney went on to share why she relates to Martin’s career.

“For Christy, the ring was her escape. It’s almost like you’re a caged animal inside this ring, but it’s a place where she feels the most free,” she said. “I am definitely a caged animal in a sense. Acting is my ring. It’s where I feel freedom. The set is where everything else goes quiet.”

The “Euphoria” actress says she grew very close to Martin, who was very involved with the film and always on set.

“She kind of became my best friend. Having her with us was a really powerful experience,” Sweeney said at the Hamptons International Film Festival.

She continued, “I try to lose myself completely for a role, so I try not to carry any of my own stuff into their life. But I honestly learned so much from Christy that I applied to myself.”

Speaking after a special screening of the movie on Oct. 11, Sweeney said the role “helped me learn a lot about myself.”

“She taught me how to stand up for myself more and feel stronger in my personal life, my work life. We both fight our own fights in different types of rings and, yeah, check in on your friends and make sure they’re all okay.”

Christy premieres in theaters Nov. 7.