Sydney Sweeney Faces Backlash, Instagram Follower Drop After Nude Sports Betting Ad

Actress Sydney Sweeney has seen a significant drop in her Instagram following, losing over 200,000 followers after appearing in a controversial, fully nude advertisement for the sports prediction market Novig. The ad, which features Sweeney posing with sports equipment to cover her body, was shared on her Instagram account last week.

While the post garnered 1.2 million likes and 2.8 million shares, it also attracted substantial backlash online. As of Wednesday morning, Sweeney still had 25.8 million followers, with the reported loss representing less than one percent of her total following, according to Social Blade data. In the days following the ad's release, Sweeney experienced a net loss of followers, with a significant decline noted between Sunday and Monday.

The ad has drawn criticism from various figures, particularly within the sports community, who object to the sexualization of women in sports and the reduction of women's involvement in athletics to their physical appearance. British sprinter Amy Hunt posted a reaction video stating, "Sydney Sweeney, this is what women’s sport looks like!" Australian swimmer Ariarne Titmus also voiced her frustration, describing the ad as a "kick in the face to every woman who has dedicated her life to perfecting her craft." American gymnast Gracie Kramer echoed similar sentiments.

In response to the criticism, Sweeney appeared to address the controversy by sharing images on her Instagram story of athletes posing nude for media, including past ESPN The Magazine's Body Issue covers.

Novig CEO Jacob Fortinsky defended the advertisement, stating that Sweeney was instrumental in shaping its visuals and messaging. He emphasized that the company is "hugely supportive of women’s sports" and that the ad's intention was not to misrepresent female sports. Fortinsky added that Sweeney approached Novig about the collaboration and became an equity partner, indicating her financial stake in the commercial.

Novig is described as a sports prediction market operating in the U.S., and Sweeney's role was presented as an actress communicating a story for the platform.