Actress Sharon Stone has called on Sydney Sweeney to “take responsibility” for the controversial nude sports betting ad that sparked outrage from the athletics community.
Sweeney made headlines this month when she appeared nearly naked as part of a promotional campaign for sports betting platform Novig, prompting accusations from prominent athletes that the actress was degrading and sexualizing women’s sports.
Stone, who starred opposite Sweeney in the third season of “Euphoria,” was asked about the controversy at an event in Los Angeles, saying she was a “cheerleader” for women’s sports.
“I guess that’s it [Sweeney] “It’s not my place to take responsibility for his actions, to judge him for his actions,” the “Basic Instinct” star told People.
“It’s up to me to be a cheerleader for the women who make it and become champions in women’s sports.”
Stone added that the focus of women’s sports should not be on attracting “male attention.”
“We can’t denigrate women’s sports to get men’s attention so they can gamble,” he said.
Sweeney appeared nearly naked in the Novig ad, covering himself with sports gear and saying the betting platform was “just for sports.”
This sparked fierce reactions from the sporting community, including Olympic athletes such as water polo player Tilly Kearns, boxer Skye Nicolson and swimming champion Ariarne Titmus.
“I can’t tell you how angry I am,” Titmus wrote about the ad on Instagram. “This is a kick in the teeth not only for every woman who dedicates her life to perfecting her craft, but also for every woman who truly enjoys the sport: teamwork, friendship, commitment, excellence, unity.”
Sweeney, however, handled the backlash tactfully by sharing past magazine covers and ad campaigns in which famous athletes, including Serena Williams and Ronda Rousey, posed in provocative or minimal clothing.
Novig CEO Jacob Fortinsky also responded to the controversy, saying that the platform “hugely supports women’s sports” and that the campaign was “never intended to portray women’s sports.”
“Sydney is an actress, the biggest movie star in the world. We are a sports-focused prediction market. That’s the story she tells,” Novig said.
This isn’t the first time Stone has intervened in her co-star’s arguments.
Last year, American Eagle defended Sweeney in the face of backlash over his jeans ad, saying it’s “okay to use what your mother gave you.”
“It’s okay to use every ounce of warmth you have — right here, right now — and lean into whatever it is,” Stone said at the time.