Sharon Stone Defends Sydney Sweeney in Nude Sports-Betting Ad Outrage

Sharon Stone urged her “Euphoria” co‑star Sydney Sweeney to own the fallout from a controversial sports‑betting commercial that aired in Los Angeles earlier this month.

The advertisement, produced for Novig, featured Sweeney nearly nude while holding sports gear and declaring the platform “just for sport.” Stone said the moment was an opportunity to champion women’s athletics.

Sweeney’s appearance sparked swift condemnation from athletes who felt the ad reduced women’s sports to a spectacle aimed at male gamblers. Olympic swimmer Ariarne Titmus posted on Instagram, “I can’t describe how infuriated I feel,” and added that the campaign was “a kick in the face” to dedicated female athletes.

Stone stood by her co‑star, calling herself a cheerleader for women who have “made it through and become champions.”

Stone emphasized that women’s sports should not be used as a lure for gambling, stating, “We can’t denigrate women’s sports to get men’s attention so they can gamble.” She reiterated her support for athletes while distancing herself from the ad’s messaging. The incident has reignited debates over marketing tactics in sports betting.

## What Happened

In the Novig commercial, Sweeney was shown almost naked, using a basketball, tennis racket and other equipment to cover herself as she promoted the betting site. The ad’s tagline—“just for sport”—was intended to align the platform with athletic competition.

Critics argue that sexualized imagery can undermine the integrity of athletic achievements.

Athletes from various disciplines voiced their discontent, with water polo player Tilly Kearns and boxer Skye Nicolson joining swimmer Ariarne Titmus in condemning the ad. Titmus wrote, “I can’t describe how infuriated I feel,” adding that the campaign was a blow to those who dedicate themselves to teamwork, friendship, and excellence.

The backlash spread quickly across social media platforms.

## Context

Novig’s chief executive, Jacob Fortinsky, defended the campaign by claiming the platform is “hugely supportive of women’s sports” and that the ad “never intended to portray female sports.” He added, “Sydney is an actress, the biggest movie star in the world. We’re a prediction market focused on sports.

That is the story she was communicating.” The company maintains it aimed to celebrate sporting competition rather than exploit athletes.

Stone’s support for Sweeney is not new; last year she defended the actress after a backlash over an American Eagle jeans commercial. Stone said, “It’s okay to use what mama gave you,” and added that actresses can embrace their “hotness” as a form of empowerment.

The earlier incident showed Stone’s willingness to defend co‑stars against criticism tied to body image.

Sweeney responded to the criticism by sharing images from past magazine covers that featured athletes such as Serena Williams and Ronda Rousey posing provocatively or in minimal clothing. Her posts implied that her own appearance was in line with established marketing tactics used by high‑profile sports figures.

The strategy drew mixed reactions, with some arguing it normalizes sexualized portrayals while others see it as a continuation of long‑standing advertising practices.

## Analysis

Stone’s comments suggest she believes the controversy stems from external judgment rather than Sweeney’s intent, as she said, “I think that it’s up to [Sweeney] to take responsibility for her actions, not up to me to judge her for her actions.” This stance positions Stone as a defender of artistic freedom within the entertainment industry.

It also underscores her commitment to supporting women who “have made it through and become champions in women’s sports.”

The backlash from Olympic athletes and the broader sporting community illustrates a growing sensitivity toward how women’s sports are marketed. Critics argue that sexualized imagery can undermine the integrity of athletic achievements, while marketers claim it draws attention to betting platforms.

The debate highlights tension between commercial objectives and respect for athletes’ dignity.

Novig’s defense of the campaign and Stone’s public support for Sweeney reflect the differing perspectives within the betting industry and entertainment sector. The company insists it never intended to “portray female sports,” emphasizing its focus on prediction markets.

Meanwhile, athletes and their advocates emphasize that advertising should not prioritize gambling over athletic excellence.

The incident has prompted calls for clearer guidelines on advertising content that intersects with sports betting. Stakeholders are now debating whether regulatory bodies should set stricter standards for the portrayal of athletes in commercial campaigns.

Until then, the conversation continues to unfold amid ongoing social media engagement and public scrutiny.