Sydney Sweeney’s Real Crime Is That She’s Hot
The backlash to Sydney Sweeney’s nude Novig ad revives feminism’s unresolved argument over sex, agency and who gets to flaunt it.
Sydney Sweeney's new sports prediction market commercial for Novig has sparked controversy, with female athletes expressing indignation over the sexualization of women's sport. The 24-year-old star, known for her striking good looks, appears in minimal clothing while interacting with various sports equipment. This has led to comparisons with ESPN's "Body Issue," a campaign that aims to celebrate and empower athletic women.
However, Sweeney's case presents a unique challenge – she already embodies the conventional ideal of attractiveness, making it difficult to argue that her nudity contributes to liberation in the same way that other athletes have. While female agency is present in Sweeney's decision to participate in the campaign, her status as the face of Novig and an equity holder raises questions about the extent to which she can be seen as exercising empowerment.
Ultimately, Sweeney's role highlights the ongoing struggle to define what constitutes genuine liberation for women who already conform to societal beauty standards.
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