'Is this sport?': Sydney Sweeney faces backlash from female athletes over nude advert

American actress Sydney Sweeney, known for her role in the series Euphoria, has ignited controversy with a nude advertisement for the sports trading app Novig. The provocative commercial features Sweeney posing with various pieces of sports equipment, seemingly embracing a playful and lighthearted approach to sports. However, the ad has received backlash from female athletes and Olympians, who have accused the advertisement of objectifying and demeaning women’s sports.

Notable athletes, including Olympic gold medalist Ariarne Titmus and Australian World champion boxer Skye Nicolson, have expressed their outrage, arguing that the ad shamelessly sexualizes women’s sports and ignores the true essence of teamwork, friendship, dedication, and excellence in sports. Furthermore, the advertisement has sparked debates on social media, with users questioning the objectification of women in sports and the ethics of using their bodies for commercial gain.

In response to the backlash, Sweeney posted various nude sports photos from ESPN Magazine’s The Body Issue, attempting to defend her stance. Despite her efforts, the controversy continues to gain momentum, leaving many questioning Sweeney's intentions and the broader implications of the ad.