Female Athletes Criticize Sydney Sweeney Ad for Sexualizing Their Sport

An advertising campaign featuring actor Sydney Sweeney has sparked backlash from female athletes who say it sexualizes women in sports. The ad for sports prediction platform Novig shows Sweeney with minimal clothing, using footballs and apparel to cover herself. Female athletes criticized the ad on social media, including Olympic swimmer Ariarne Titmus, who expressed fury, and British sprinter Amy Hunt, who highlighted athletes' hard work in a post-race interview. Former gymnast Gracie Kramer and rugby player Sofie Fella also condemned the campaign as disrespectful. Novig and Sweeney's publicist did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Sweeney posted ESPN Body Issue covers in an apparent response, and this follows prior debate over her 2025 American Eagle campaign.