Sydney Sweeney has reignited speculation about a possible feud with Zendaya after posting a Season 3 “Euphoria” photo roundup that did not include her co-star. The Instagram carousel, shared after Sunday’s season finale, featured behind-the-scenes images with Jacob Elordi, Alexa Demie, Maude Apatow and the late Eric Dane, but Zendaya was noticeably absent. Sweeney captioned the post, “it’s called… acting,” a remark that some interpreted as a response to criticism of her role as Cassie Howard.
The missing Zendaya photo quickly drew attention from fans, with some commenting on the absence and questioning whether the omission was intentional. Others defended the post, noting that Sweeney’s character and Zendaya’s character, Rue Bennett, shared relatively few scenes in the series, which could explain why there were fewer behind-the-scenes images together.
The post arrives amid long-running rumors that the two actresses have not always seen eye to eye. In November 2025, reports surfaced claiming that Sweeney and Zendaya were involved in a “bitter feud” tied to their differing political views. Sweeney has been identified as a registered Republican voter, and her American Eagle denim campaign also drew controversy after critics accused it of carrying racist undertones. According to those reports, Zendaya allegedly declined to do press with Sweeney during “Euphoria” Season 3 and the pair were said to avoid standing next to each other at events.
Additional speculation intensified when Sweeney was absent from a “Euphoria” cast photo shoot earlier this year. However, a report later indicated that the shoot took place while she was filming another scene, explaining why she was not included. Even so, another public appearance in the following month reportedly fueled the gossip further, with observers claiming the two stars appeared to avoid each other at the season premiere.
Sources cited in earlier reports also claimed the tension may have extended beyond politics, with one alleging that Sweeney was “flirty” with Zendaya’s fiancé, Tom Holland, when he visited set. That claim suggested the issue may have become personal as well as professional. Another insider said the situation created a challenge for the production because Zendaya reportedly did not want to be closely associated with a Trump supporter.
Despite the rumors, not everyone close to the production has confirmed any bad blood. “Euphoria” cast member Jessica Blair Herman previously dismissed the feud talk, saying the cast got along and that the team had formed a strong working relationship. She emphasized that everyone came to set to do their jobs.
Whether the latest Instagram post was intentional or simply a reflection of the show’s limited shared scenes, the absence of Zendaya has once again pushed the rumored rift between the two stars back into the spotlight. With Season 3 appearing to serve as the end of “Euphoria,” Sweeney and Zendaya may not need to work together again anytime soon.
