Megan weighs in on Sydney Sweeney's controversial sports ad

The actress’ latest campaign has sparked plenty of debate, but Megan reckons the conversation might be missing the bigger picture.

Sydney Sweeney has found herself at the centre of another online controversy, this time over a sports gambling campaign that's divided fans and athletes alike.

The Euphoria star recently appeared in an ad for sports betting company Novig, posing in various states of undress while covering herself with sporting equipment and repeatedly declaring her love of "sports".

The campaign quickly drew criticism from some female athletes and women involved in sport, with some arguing it reinforces outdated stereotypes and undermines progress made in how women's sport is viewed.

But Megan wasn't convinced the backlash should be aimed squarely at Sydney.

"She's allowed to and she's hot," Megan said. "I think it kind of goes against everything I believe to chuck all this on Sydney Sweeney when I don't think she is the problem."

Megan pointed out that while people are free to dislike the ad, it wasn't that long ago that conversations around body autonomy centred on the idea of "my body, my choice".

The criticism was highlighted by Australian hockey player Jocelyn Bartram, who said she felt the campaign pushed women's sport backwards by leaning into the idea that "sex sells".

While Megan understood those frustrations, she questioned whether the connection between Sydney Sweeney and women's sport was quite as direct as critics were suggesting.

"She looks like she was a model posing in the gear," Megan said. "I didn't get the connection between women's sport and Sydney Sweeney."

She also drew on her own experiences in motorsport media, saying she's personally faced sexism while trying to build credibility in a male-dominated space.

"I totally get how women aren't taken seriously and our sports is not given the attention, money or praise that it should be," she said.

Ben could also see why the ad had struck a nerve, particularly given ongoing efforts to encourage young women to stay involved in sport and feel confident participating without fear of judgement.

Still, Jono wondered whether people might be giving the advertisement too much power.

"Is it really taking women's sports back decades?" he asked.

For Megan, the answer was no.

"I think women's sport can speak for itself nowadays," she said. "We know, especially in New Zealand, we have amazing women's sports."

Her takeaway? Two things can be true at once.

"Sydney can do this ad and women can be great at sports," she said. "I don't think they need to coincide."

And perhaps most importantly, Megan would like to see less women-versus-women fighting online.

"We should stop arguing with each other. Because now women are just picking on other women again."

Join The Hits mailing list for all the latest on concerts, exclusive competitions, and events happening near you!