Sydney Sweeney, known for her role on HBO’s ‘Euphoria,’ stirred controversy with her appearance in an advertisement for Novig, a sports trading app. The ad featured Sweeney with strategically placed sports equipment covering her mostly nude body.

This portrayal drew criticism from several female athletes who found the depiction troubling. Australian Olympic swimmer Ariarne Titmus expressed her frustration on Instagram, questioning the ongoing trend of monetizing and sexualizing women’s sports.

British sprinter Amy Hunt, after a significant performance in Hungary, also voiced her disapproval. She emphasized the hard work and dedication that defines female athletes, contrasting it with the ad’s imagery.

Former American gymnast Gracie Kramer shared her displeasure, highlighting her long-standing struggle against the oversexualization of female athletes. Her comments underscored a theme many female athletes contend with: wanting to be recognized for their skills rather than appearances.

Sweeney appeared to counter the backlash by sharing images of ESPN magazine covers, which have featured nude athletes such as Serena Williams and Megan Rapinoe. These covers aim to celebrate the athletic form, demonstrating a complex dialogue around body presentation and professional sport.

Despite the criticism, the conversation remains active, with various stakeholders, including media outlets, seeking comments from Sweeney’s team and the involved companies. The debate reflects broader discussions about the portrayal and perception of women in sports media.