Sydney Sweeney Novig ad sparks controversy over sexualization of women in sports

A controversial advertising campaign for the sports betting app Novig, starring actress Sydney Sweeney, has sparked debate regarding the sexualization of women in sports. The advertisement features Sweeney appearing nude with sports equipment used to cover her private parts.

Female athletes have criticized the campaign, arguing it is harmful and caters to the male gaze rather than representing women in athletics. Ariana Ingram, a basketball player at Suffolk University, expressed disappointment, stating that the sexualization of women in sports has worsened over time.

Radio host Howard Stern defended the commercial on ‘The Howard Stern Show,’ questioning the backlash. Stern argued that the use of half-naked women in advertising is common and dismissed the idea that the campaign would ruin sports, suggesting instead that gambling might be the issue.