Sydney Sweeney defends nude betting ad after female athletes' backlash
Sydney Sweeney has responded to criticism from female athletes over her naked sports betting advert for Novig, which has sparked accusations of sexualising women's sport. England cricket ace Lauren Bell and Team GB sprinter Amy Hunt were among those who condemned the campaign. Hunt referenced the advert after running a season's best 22.10 seconds in Budapest, saying "this is what women in sport look like" and highlighting hard work and achievement. Sweeney hit back by sharing images of male athletes posing nude, while retired Olympic swimmer Ariarne Titmus called the advert "a kick in the face" to women in sport. Sweeney holds an equity stake in Novig and proposed the nude concept herself, with the CEO saying she is "great at captivating audiences." Numerous female athletes have since showcased their career highlights under the hashtag "This is what a woman in sport looks like."