Sydney Sweeney faces backlash over provocative Novig betting ad

Actress Sydney Sweeney is facing significant backlash following a nearly nude advertising campaign for the sports betting platform Novig. The advertisement, which features Sweeney in suggestive poses with various sports equipment, has sparked a debate regarding the sexualization of women in sports marketing.

Several high-profile female athletes have publicly criticized the campaign. Australian Olympic swimmer Ariarne Titmus expressed being “infuriated,” describing the ad as a “kick in the face” to women dedicated to their sport. French triathlete Mathilde Tily and American gymnast Gracely Kramer also condemned the imagery, arguing it uses female bodies to attract male attention for gambling purposes.

Actress Sharon Stone, who appeared alongside Sweeney in the series Euphoria, commented that Sweeney should “take responsibility” for her actions. Stone stated she would not judge the actress personally but emphasized her role as a “cheerleader” for female athletes and criticized brands that denigrate women’s sports to target male gamblers.

While some defenders, including athlete Sophie Cunningham, argue the ad is simply a standard marketing tactic designed to draw attention, the controversy highlights ongoing tensions regarding how female celebrities and athletes are portrayed in commercial media.