'Euphoria' Season 3 debuts amid Cassie controversy as Sydney Sweeney’s baby scene draws backlash

Sweeney and creator Sam Levinson come under fire as the third season of the HBO show premieres

The third season of Euphoria has premiered with early attention focused on a controversial scene involving Sydney Sweeney.

Sweeney, who plays Cassie in the HBO Max series, appeared in a clip from the show wearing a baby-style outfit, including a pink pacifier, as she poses suggestively on a couch in one scene, while jumping rope in a polka-dot bikini in another.

The scenes form part of a storyline in which her character is portrayed as an online adult content creator following her high school graduation.

Footage from the teaser quickly circulated online, prompting strong reactions from viewers.

Just saw a pic of Cassie in Euphoria… I need someone to go through Sam Levinson’s hard drive.

— samanthamcfarland (@SailorSammy93) April 11, 2026

not even zendaya will get me to tune into this i’m out. https://t.co/5EpRraVvEW

— c ☆ (@zendayathena) April 11, 2026

and sydney sweeney is a dork ass loser for loving to cater to pedophiles and nasty men https://t.co/g68vBLxhzl

— rose (@himeseul) April 11, 2026

sam levinson is weird as fuck for even coming up with this and sydney is weird as fuck for not saying no to it. https://t.co/oB6ia1MZwm

— ミ☆ (@jeelordi) April 11, 2026

That clip of Sydney Sweeney dressed up as a sexualized baby on that TV show might be one of the most disturbing things I’ve seen on here in a while

We need to talk about how Hollywood has been blatantly pushing pedophillia

— Dancing through the lightning strikes (@Miss_AshG) April 11, 2026

In a trailer, Cassie is also heard saying, “I just feel like if more people knew me, I would be huge,” hinting at her evolving storyline. Other scenes include a wedding sequence with Nate Jacobs, played by Jacob Elordi, and appearances from returning characters including Rue, portrayed by Zendaya.

The series also introduces new plot developments, including Rue working in management at a strip club, stating, “Throughout the history of America, there have been windows of time where anyone could strike it rich.”

Despite mixed early reactions, the new season continues to generate significant discussion following its premiere.