Actress Sydney Sweeney has faced criticism from her 'Euphoria' co-star, Sharon Stone, regarding her recent advertisement for the sports prediction platform Novig. The ad, which features Sweeney in suggestive poses, has drawn significant attention and sparked debate.
Speaking at Variety’s 2026 Power of Women: Los Angeles event, Sharon Stone, 68, offered a critique of Sweeney, 29, asserting that the younger actress should 'take responsibility' for her choices following the video's reception, particularly from female athletes.
"I think that it’s up to her to take responsibility for her actions, not up to me to judge her for her actions. It is up to me to be a cheerleader for the women who have made it through and become champions in women’s sports," Stone told the publication. "We can’t denigrate women’s sports to get men’s attention so they can gamble."
The advertisement showcases Sweeney in various revealing positions while holding sports equipment. In the commercial, she informs viewers that the platform allows them to bet on "just sports."
Stone's Personal Stance on Women in Sports
The controversial video resonated deeply with Stone, who shared a personal anecdote from her high school years. She recounted successfully challenging administrators, threatening legal action to secure a spot on the boys' golf team because her school lacked a girls' sports team at the time.
"I had something to prove," Stone stated, adding that she successfully "made the boys team."
Stone is not the only public figure to express concern over Sweeney's willingness to appear provocatively in the sports prediction platform's campaign. A significant number of female athletes also voiced their discontent on social media platforms.
Athlete Reactions to the Advertisement
Australian Olympic gold medalist swimmer Ariarne Titmus expressed strong disapproval in an Instagram post.
"I can’t describe how infuriated I feel when I watch this," Titmus wrote. "How do we live in a world where monetizing a woman’s body and sexualizing women’s sport is still a thing?"
British sprinter Amy Hunt also weighed in on the controversy. After finishing fourth in the 200 meters at the Ultimate Championship in Budapest, Hungary, Hunt made a statement.
"Sydney Sweeney, this is what women in sport look like," Hunt declared. "Muscles, hard work, sweat, blood, tears."
Sweeney's Response and Defense
In the wake of the extensive criticism, Sweeney posted images on social media from ESPN magazine, which showcased nude photographs of celebrated female athletes, including Serena Williams, Ronda Rousey, Sue Bird, Megan Rapinoe, and Caroline Wozniacki.
A commentator named Houck offered a counter-perspective, defending Sweeney against the criticisms.
"If you'd listen to Sharon Stone, you'd think Sydney Sweeney committed a serious criminal offense resulting in jail time, not starring in a provocative sports betting ad. Give me a break," Houck said. "This entire pile-on against Sweeney comes down to one thing: jealousy. Throw in her refusal to go along to get along with the woke left, and she's persona non grata."
