‘Reality’ Star Sydney Sweeney Hopes HBO Film Humanizes ‘Complex’ NSA Whistleblower Reality Winner
variety.comElizabeth Taylor Sydney Sweeney debuted her new HBO Films drama “Reality” at an intimate premiere Monday at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. “Usually whenever I’m scared or challenged by something, I know I should do it,” the Emmy nominee told Variety on the red carpet about tackling the role of controversial real-life American whistleblower Reality Winner.
Winner was a former U.S. Air Force member who was working as a translator for an NSA contractor when she was convicted of leaking a confidential report on Russian election interference to the media.
Winner was ultimately charged under the Espionage Act and served four years in federal prison. She remains under supervised release until 2024, while public opinion remains split on the actions that put her behind bars.
The “Euphoria” star defended Winner during the event. “I hope that people see Reality as a human being and that they stop letting articles and tabloids label people and put thoughts into their minds.
Read more on variety.com