Sydney Sweeney's Controversial Betting Ad Sparks Debate as Actress Steps Out in New York

Actress Sydney Sweeney was seen in New York on Wednesday night, clad in hotpants and leather boots, as her latest advertisement for the betting app Novig continues to generate controversy. The ad, which features Sweeney topless and strategically covered by sports equipment, follows an earlier campaign that also drew significant backlash.

The first Novig ad, released on September 9, depicted Sweeney posing nude with various sports props. It was criticized by several high-profile female athletes who argued that the campaign sexualized women in sports and undermined efforts to promote positive role models. British sprinter Amy Hunt stated that the focus should be on "what your body can do, not so much what it looks like," while Australian boxer Skye Nicolson called for companies to "do better" and stop sexualizing women in sports.

Sweeney, who is not just an endorser but also holds equity in Novig and was involved in developing the campaign, explained the concept behind the advert. "The concept is simple: cut through the noise and put the focus entirely on sports. The campaign brings that idea to life with confidence, humor and a playful edge," she said in a statement.

The second ad, released this week, shows Sweeney in white underwear, with her hair partly covering her chest. She speaks about the nature of betting and the Novig app, which transitioned into a sports-exclusive prediction market platform in August. "There are grown men making spreadsheets to bet on what color underwear I'm wearing. I mean, I'm flattered," Sweeney says in the ad, referencing the public reaction to her commercials. She continues, "There is insider trading on dictators dying and armies of bots manipulating it all. There's someone sitting in a bathroom stall betting their 401k on a war. And then, there are people who just trade on sports. Novig is just sports."

Novig, founded in 2021 by Jacob Fortinsky and Kelechi Ukah, operates as a prediction market app exclusively for sports-related events, differentiating itself from platforms like Polymarket and Kalshi. The ad campaign has garnered millions of views across social media, but the provocative imagery has attracted criticism. While Sweeney has not issued a direct statement addressing the criticism, she has alluded to the discourse indirectly through cryptic Instagram Stories.

Sweeney's public appearance in New York, showcasing a stylish ensemble of a dark grey jacket, white top, black handbag, and matching gloves with her hotpants and boots, occurred as the debate surrounding her advertising work continues. She accessorized her look with dark sunglasses and wore her hair in waves.