Sharon Stone has spoken out against a controversial advertisement featuring her “Euphoria” co-star Sydney Sweeney, which has sparked significant backlash from female athletes and observers. The discussion arose during the 2026 Power of Women event hosted by Variety in Los Angeles on 23rd September.
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At the event, Stone, 68, expressed her belief that Sweeney, 29, must “take responsibility” for the nearly nude advertisement promoting the sports betting platform Novig. The ad features Sweeney in provocative poses with sports equipment, while she encourages viewers to engage with the platform for betting insights on various sports leagues, including the NBA and NFL. Her approach, which included a striking moment where she appears topless, has been labelled as demeaning by many in the sports community.
Addressing the controversy, Stone remarked, “It’s up to her to take responsibility for her actions, not up to me to judge her.” She emphasised her role as a supporter of women’s achievements in sports rather than as a critic of her co-star’s decisions. Stone’s remarks highlight her commitment to uplifting women who have triumphed in the realm of athletics.
The “Basic Instinct” star further noted her own experiences with gender discrimination in sports. She recounted a time during her high school years when she fought for the right to join the boys’ golf team because there were no female teams available. “I had something to prove,” Stone reflected, underlining her determination to succeed in a male-dominated environment.
This isn’t the first time Stone has offered commentary on Sweeney’s choices. At the same event in October 2025, she had previously remarked on the American Eagle jeans campaign that Sweeney appeared in, which also prompted a heated discussion online. Stone stated then that it was acceptable for women to embrace and utilise their femininity, saying, “It’s really fine to use what mama gave you.”
Sweeney’s role in the controversial advertisement has provoked a strong response from several female athletes. Olympian Amy Hunt described the ad as a “massive step backward” for women in sports during a post-race interview shortly after the Ultimate Championship. Hunt asserted, “Sydney Sweeney, this is what women in sport look like,” signalling her concern over the representation of female athletes.
American gymnast Gracie Kramer also voiced her disdain for the advertisement on social media. She posted a TikTok condemning Sweeney’s portrayal and shared her own footage to illustrate what a genuine female athlete looks like. In an Instagram story, she labelled the campaign “infuriating” and expressed her frustration over the idea that women must resort to sexual imagery to validate their presence in sports: “We should not have to take our clothes off to convince men that women belong in sports,” she stated emphatically.
Sweeney’s recent foray into promotional work has not been without controversy. The previous campaign with American Eagle stirred debate around its perceived racial implications and accusations of focusing on the male gaze. Despite the backlash, the brand reported a surge in stock prices following the campaign, indicating a complex relationship between advertisement strategies and public perception.
As discussions around Sweeney and her advertisement unfold, questions regarding the portrayal and marketing of women in sports remain a contentious issue. Stone’s support for advocating women’s sports and her call for responsibility from fellow actors underscore an ongoing dialogue about the choices made in the name of representation and the impact on aspiring athletes.
The conversation surrounding Sweeney’s advertisement reinforces the broader implications of how women in sports are presented in media, prompting reflections on values, empowerment, and the responsibilities that come with influence. Events like Variety’s Power of Women are spaces where such issues can be openly discussed, connecting the realms of entertainment and athletics in a bid to foster a more supportive environment for female athletes everywhere.