Sydney Sweeney has shared a previously unseen clip from her controversial nude betting advert for the sports trading app Novig. In the video, the actress holds two American footballs over her chest and tells the camera: "Novig is just sports."
Sweeney then turns around, showing off white boxer shorts with the branding "Novig" on the waistband. She shared the video on Instagram with the caption: "No BS. Just sports," and in the clip she said: "There are grown men making spreadsheets betting on what colour underwear I’m wearing. I mean, I’m flattered?"
Campaign idea came from Sweeney
According to Novig founder and CEO Jacob Fortinsky, it was Sweeney's idea to strip off for the campaign. He explained: “She said, ‘I’m uncomfortable with other platforms that have markets on what colour underwear I’m going to wear. There’s something clean about sports'."
Backlash from athletes
Sweeney has faced serious backlash for the controversial campaign for the sports betting company. British sprint star Amy Hunt used her post-race interview at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship to say: "Sydney Sweeney, this is what women’s sport looks like!"
Swimmer and gold medallist Ariarne Titmus wrote on Instagram: "I can’t describe how infuriated I feel when I watch this." "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, unity … the list goes on."
Canadian Olympic skier Cassidy Gray called Sweeney's video "idiotic" and "senseless".
Sweeney hits back
Sweeney later appeared to hit back at the criticism on her Instagram page. The Euphoria actress shared previous nude campaigns by sports stars Serena Williams, Megan Rapinoe and Caroline Wozniacki. She also made a point about how male athletes have done the same thing, including Taylor Swift's new husband Travis Kelce.
