Sophie Cunningham weighs in on ad featuring nude Sydney Sweeney and doesn't hold back: “That's what she's known for”

S ophie Cunningham ’s reaction to Sydney Sweeney ’s much-discussed Novig advertisement came with criticism, skepticism and, ultimately, a defense of the actress’s right to do what she wants.

The Indiana Fever guard addressed the ad on her “No Hesitation” podcast with Drew Hanlen after saying she had been flooded with requests to comment on it.

Sweeney ’s campaign for sports prediction platform Novig showed the actress posing nude while covered by sports equipment.

The ad quickly sparked debate over whether the concept undercut the progress women’s sports has made in being marketed around athletic performance rather than appearance.

Cunningham ’s first reaction focused on whether Sweeney had any genuine connection to the product.

“I have so many takes, but first of all, does she even gamble on sports? Like, it's just so inauthentic,” Cunningham said.

“I really like her and you know what? She sticks to her guns and she does her thing and she's her,” Cunningham added. “So, like props to her.”

Cunningham offers opinion on Sweeney

Cunningham made clear that the campaign itself wasn't something she would endorse.

“Do I like it? Like that particular ad? Not really,” she said. “I think it's like, I mean like what are we doing? But again, I'm not surprised. She's making her money. Go do your thing, sis.”

Cunningham also questioned why the backlash had become so intense, arguing that the concept was hardly inconsistent with Sweeney ’s public image.

“But why are girls mad?” she said. “Like that is literally what she does. Why is anyone mad?”

She continued: “Men. Sports. Pretty much naked women. Like of course that's going to draw attention.”

Cunningham said she found the ad “kind of weird” from a moral perspective, but repeatedly returned to the idea that Sweeney should be allowed to make her own choices.

Fever guard turns debate toward women athletes

The conversation eventually moved away from Sweeney and toward body image in women’s sports.

Cunningham spoke about growing up taller than many girls and learning to take pride in the physical traits that come with being an athlete.

“I think it has been so cool to see girls who, you know what, they're muscly, their thighs touch, they have broad shoulders, they might be taller than the average girl and probably the average boy,” she said.

“But you know what? I think that's what it is. You've got to embrace your power.”

Cunningham also acknowledged why the Novig ad may have frustrated some women athletes.

“I can understand when you first see that ad that like it could kind of deflate women, because we've worked so hard to get a little bit of respect around here,” she said.

Her final position, though, was less about condemnation than acceptance: “But then when you really think about it, it's like screw it, let that girl go do her thing.”