Sharon Stone is drawing a line when it comes to Sydney Sweeney’s controversial sports betting campaign. The “Basic Instinct” star previously defended her “Euphoria” co-star against criticism surrounding a provocative American Eagle advertisement, but she is taking a very different stance this time. Stone said Sweeney must “take responsibility” for the nearly nude Novig campaign, arguing that women’s sports should not be diminished simply to attract male gamblers.
Sharon Stone Says Sydney Sweeney Must Own Her Actions
Stone addressed the controversy surrounding Sweeney’s Novig campaign while attending an event in Los Angeles. The actresses worked together during the third season of “Euphoria,” but Stone made it clear that their professional connection did not mean she would defend every decision Sweeney makes. “I think that it’s up to [Sweeney] to take responsibility for her actions, not up to me to judge her for her actions,” Stone told PEOPLE.
Rather than judging Sweeney personally, Stone said her priority was supporting the women who have spent years working to become elite athletes. “It is up to me to be a cheerleader for the women who have made it through and become champions in women’s sports,” she explained.
Stone’s comments came after Sweeney appeared nearly nude in a promotional campaign for Novig, a sports prediction market and betting platform. The 29-year-old actress covered herself with sports equipment in the ad while telling viewers that the platform was “just for sport.”
The campaign quickly sparked accusations that it reduced women’s sports to a sexualized marketing tool rather than celebrating the athletes and competition.
The Actress Says Women’s Sports Should Not Be Used For ‘Men’s Attention’
Stone identified herself as a supporter of women’s sports and pushed back against the campaign’s apparent attempt to use sexuality to attract bettors. “We can’t denigrate women’s sports to get men’s attention so they can gamble,” she said.
Novig’s campaign drew especially strong criticism because the actress promoted a betting platform while posing with equipment connected to several sports.
Olympic Athletes Slammed The Provocative Campaign
Several athletes spoke out after Novig released the advertisement. Australian water polo player Tilly Kearns, boxer Skye Nicolson and swimming champion Ariarne Titmus were among the prominent sports figures who criticized the campaign.
Titmus expressed her anger in a lengthy Instagram response, arguing that the ad disrespected women who have dedicated their lives to athletic excellence. “I can’t describe how infuriated I feel,” Titmus wrote. “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.”
For the athletes speaking out, the larger issue was the use of sexualized imagery to advertise a platform connected to sports while accomplished women continue fighting to have their performances taken seriously.
Sydney Sweeney Appeared To Respond To The Backlash
Sweeney did not issue a direct statement addressing each criticism. Instead, she appeared to respond by sharing previous magazine covers and advertising campaigns featuring famous female athletes in provocative poses or very little clothing. The examples included tennis legend Serena Williams and former UFC star Ronda Rousey.
Her posts seemed to suggest that athletic women have also embraced sexy imagery without it automatically diminishing their careers or achievements.
Novig CEO Jacob Fortinsky also defended the advertisement and insisted the company supports women’s athletics. He said the platform is “hugely supportive of women’s sports” and maintained that the campaign “never intended to portray female sports.”
“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,” Novig said. The company’s response framed the campaign as a straightforward collaboration between a major actress and a sports-focused platform rather than a commentary on female athletes.
Sharon Stone Previously Defended Sweeney’s Appeal
Stone’s latest comments represent a shift from the strong support she previously offered Sweeney. Last year, the Hollywood veteran defended the actress amid controversy surrounding her American Eagle jeans campaign.
Stone argued at the time that Sweeney had every right to use her physical appeal to advance her career. “It’s okay to use what mama gave you,” she said.
The actress then expanded on that message by encouraging Sweeney to embrace the attention her appearance generates. “It’s really okay to use every bit of hotness you have, right here, right now, and go for whatever that is,” Stone added.
