Zali Steggall lashes Sydney Sweeney ad as ‘toxic’, gambling ‘lure’ to men

Sydney Sweeney’s controversial betting ad has been rubbished as “a kick in the face” to women in sport and a “lure” to young men to start gambling online.

Australian politicians and sports stars have condemned the US actor over her hypersexualised ad for sports betting market Novig that includes the 29-year-old perched naked on a basketball hoop.

On Tuesday, Community Strong Australia MP Zali Steggall told the Euphoria star to “do better” in an impassioned plea against the sexualisation of women in sports.

“I mean, clearly Sydney Sweeney hasn’t done a real day of hard work in sport in her life, I would argue.

“At the end of the day, she’s pushing that old trope to lure men into gambling … my understanding is she’s a shareholder and has a proprietary interest in the gambling advertising company that she’s promoting.

“So, not only is she putting her body cheaply on the line, but she is also ultimately luring men into losing vast amounts of money through gambling advertising.

“We know how toxic and predatory that industry is, and this is yet another example.”

Ms Steggall said women had worked hard over decades to secure respect and “pay conditions, and there is a long way to go”.

“Every time women’s sport is objectified and trivialised in this way, it is really frustrating,” she said.

“I often look at young girls watching because I don’t want them to think that this is the only way they will be recognised for their sporting prowess.

“Women that are successful in sport are strong, they are powerful. They come in all shapes and sizes, and they do not strut around naked with balls hiding their private parts.”

Two-time Australian Olympic gold medallist Ariarne Titmus was among the first commentators to condemn the ad.

“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 … the list goes on,” she said.

Australia distance swimmer Lani Pallister also weighed in, posting a reel of career highlights on Monday, with text stating: “Don’t know what Sydney thinks sport looks like, but THIS is what sports looks like.”