Female athletes slam Sydney Sweeney's nude sports betting ad

Sydney Sweeney's new sports betting ad for Novig, featuring her nude and holding sports equipment, has sparked global backlash from female athletes who say it sexualizes women in sport. The ad, posted Sept. 9, has drawn nearly 39 million views and criticism from Olympians across multiple countries. Canadian sprint canoeist Sophia Jensen, figure skater Madeline Schizas, U.S. gymnast Gracie Kramer, and British sprinter Amy Hunt posted "Dear Sydney Sweeney" videos showing their athletic training and competition. Australian swimmer Ariarne Titmus called the ad "a kick in the face," questioning why monetizing women's bodies remains prevalent. Novig CEO Jacob Fortinsky defended the campaign, while Sweeney called it "a fun idea." Sweeney responded to critics by posting magazine covers of athletes in minimal clothing, drawing further backlash from Canadian skier Cassidy Gray, who called it "idiotic." The controversy follows her 2024 American Eagle ad criticized for eugenicist undertones. Research shows female athletes face higher rates of visual objectification and online abuse than male counterparts.