Updated
Updated · Fox News · Sep 25
Charley Hull Defends Sydney Sweeney's Novig Ad, Calls Backlash 'Absolutely Nothing' as World No. 8 Dismisses Critics
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Sep 25

Charley Hull Defends Sydney Sweeney's Novig Ad, Calls Backlash 'Absolutely Nothing' as World No. 8 Dismisses Critics

2 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 25

Summary

  • Charley Hull said criticism of Sydney Sweeney’s Novig betting ad is overblown, arguing the actress-model is simply fronting a standard advertisement and that claims it harms women’s sports make no sense.
  • The world No. 8 golfer told OutKick that Novig’s audience is likely mostly male and said Sweeney’s sex appeal makes the campaign commercially smart; Sweeney also holds an undisclosed equity stake in the company.
  • Hull made the remarks while promoting the Oct. 16-17 on!vitational indoor golf event at SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, saying newer, more playful formats can help shed golf’s “old man sport” image.
  • The comments add a sports-world defense to an online backlash that followed Novig’s first national campaign, including Times Square ads featuring Sweeney nude with strategically placed sporting equipment.

Insights

Why is a top female golfer fiercely defending a controversial betting campaign that critics claim actively sexualizes women in sports?
As golf desperately chases younger fans, will embracing unapologetic stars and controversial marketing tactics ultimately save or fracture the sport?