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Female athletes criticize Sydney Sweeney ad for sexualizing women in sports

independent.co.uk — September 14, 2026 at 09:01 PM UTC

An advertising campaign featuring Sydney Sweeney has sparked backlash from female athletes who accuse it of sexualizing women in sports. The ad for sports prediction platform Novig shows the actor with minimal clothing, using footballs and apparel to cover herself. Four-time Olympic gold medalist Ariarne Titmus expressed fury on Instagram, while British sprinter Amy Hunt addressed Sweeney directly in a BBC interview, highlighting athletes' muscles and hard work. 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 comment requests. Sweeney posted ESPN Body Issue covers in an apparent response. The actor previously sparked debate with her 2025 American Eagle campaign.

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