Sydney Sweeney sparks angry reactions from female athletes over nude sports ad

Sydney Sweeney, a few days ago, broke the internet with her ad for Novig, a sports-trading app.

In a stark naked display, the actress promoted different sports. But reactions were divisive.

Now, players, especially the women, are calling out Sweeney for trivializing the female athletes.

Lucy Davis, the British athlete, angrily wrote, “I don’t know wtf Sydney Sweeney was doing, but it’s 2026. Stop sexualising women in sport.”

Ariarne Titmus, a four-time Olympic gold medal winner in swimming, fired off a note, penning, “I can’t describe how infuriated I feel when I watch this.”

She continued, “Not only is it a kick in the face to every woman who has dedicated her life to perfecting her craft, but every woman who enjoys sports for what it really is – teamwork, friendship, dedication, excellence, and unity."

"How do we live in a world where monetising a woman’s body and sexualising women’s sport is still a thing?”

Gracie Kramer, the American gymnast, wrote on social media, “Idk what Sydney Sweeney was doing, but this is what a woman in sports looks like.”

Given the outrage from female athletes, the message from Sweeney on the Novig website read, “The campaign was about embracing a fun idea."

"The concept is simple: cut through the noise and put the focus entirely on sports. The campaign brings that idea to life with confidence, humour and a playful edge," the statement said.