Sydney Sweeney's nude betting ad sparks outrage from female athletes

A new advertising campaign for the US sports betting site Novig, featuring actress Sydney Sweeney appearing nude while mimicking athletic poses, has sparked widespread outrage from female athletes worldwide. The ad has been condemned for reducing women's sports to a sexualized spectacle. Olympic champions and professional athletes, including gymnast Gracie Kramer, sprinter Amy Hunt, swimmer Ariarne Titmus, and boxer Skye Nicolson, publicly criticized the spot. They argue it undermines female athletes' dedication and achievements, with Titmus calling it "a kick in the face" to women in sports. Novig clarified Sweeney is a strategic partner and shareholder, not just a spokesperson. Critics clarify the issue is not nudity or femininity itself, but the recurring pattern of reducing women's accomplishments to their sexual appeal. The controversy is amplified by the fact the ad promotes sports betting, making the sexualization of athletes even more gratuitous.