Hollywood actress Sydney Sweeney, dubbed “MAGA Barbie” due to various controversies surrounding her political leanings, is now embroiled in a controversy over the sexual objectification of women’s sports. According to the Associated Press and the New York Times, Sweeney has come under fire for appearing nearly naked in a recently released advertisement for the sports betting platform Novig. In the ad, Sweeney is seen covering her breasts with a rugby ball, climbing onto a basketball hoop, and lying on a pool table in lewd poses while stating that she only bets on sports. In the one-minute ad, scenes where Sweeney appears wearing even underwear lasted for only eight seconds. Female athletes have strongly protested this.
British track and field athlete Amy Hunt sharply criticized Sweeney on the BBC, stating, “Sydney Sweeney, the real face of women in sports is muscles, effort, sweat, blood, and tears.” Australian swimming gold medalist Ariarne Titmuss criticized the advertisement, asking, “Why is the commodification of women’s bodies and sports still tolerated?” and calling it an insult to women who have dedicated their lives to sports. However, Sweeney responded by posting past nude or semi-nude photos of famous female tennis player Serena Williams and soccer player Megan Rapinoe. As the controversy escalated, Sweeney’s followers on Instagram dropped by 200,000 in about a week.