Sydney Sweeney faces athlete backlash over nude sports betting ad
Sydney Sweeney faces backlash from female athletes over a nude Novig sports betting ad, which they call demeaning and a setback for women's sports. Olympians and athletes criticized the commercial for sexualizing women. Australian Olympic gold medalist Ariarne Titmus called the ad "a kick in the face" to women in sport, while boxer Skye Nicolson and skier Cassidy Gray echoed similar criticism. British sprinter Amy Hunt warned it could deter young girls from participating in sports. Sweeney defended the campaign as humorous and playful, posting past ESPN Body Issue covers featuring athletes in response. Over 200,000 followers unfollowed her, though some supporters argued the ad company shares responsibility.