American actor Sydney Sweeney has ignited a significant controversy with her recent promotional activity for a lingerie brand, which involved climbing the iconic Hollywood Sign in Los Angeles without proper authorization. The 28-year-old star of the popular series Euphoria executed this bold stunt at night, capturing widespread attention and sparking a heated debate online and in legal circles.
Viral Video Details and Public Reaction
In a video that quickly went viral on social media platforms, Sydney Sweeney can be seen scaling a portion of the famous California landmark under the cover of darkness. Accompanied by her crew, she proceeded to hang undergarments on the sign as part of the promotional campaign. The footage was shared on Monday by an X handle, @FearedBuck, with a caption highlighting the potential legal consequences: "Sydney Sweeney could face vandalism charges after climbing the Hollywood sign and hanging bras on it to promote her new lingerie brand."
The video amassed nearly 8 million views, leading to a wave of backlash from users across the internet. One user commented, "They let billionaires buy laws, but a bra on a sign is where they draw the line," reflecting a sentiment of frustration over perceived double standards. Another user praised the audacity of the move, stating, "Hanging bras on the Hollywood sign is the most bullish move for a lingerie brand in years." A third observer noted, "That's a pretty crazy stunt, considering how famous she already is," underscoring the surprise at such a high-profile risk.
Official Statements and Legal Implications
Steve Nissen, the president and CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, which holds the property rights to the image of the Hollywood Sign, issued a clear statement regarding the incident. He revealed that the organization "did not grant a license or permission of any kind to the production involving Sydney Sweeney as reported by TMZ, nor did anyone seek a license or permission from the Chamber for that production." Nissen further emphasized that the production was "not authorized by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce nor did we have prior knowledge of it."
He reiterated the legal requirements for such activities, stating, "Anyone intending to use and/or access the Hollywood Sign for commercial purposes must obtain a license or permission from the Hollywood Chamber to do so." This statement raises the possibility of vandalism charges against Sweeney, as unauthorized commercial use of the landmark could violate local laws and regulations.
Conflicting Reports and Previous Controversies
In contrast to the Chamber's claims, TMZ reported that Sydney Sweeney had obtained permission for the stunt from FilmLA, the official film office for the City and County of Los Angeles. This conflicting information adds a layer of complexity to the situation, potentially impacting the legal outcomes and public perception.
This is not the first time Sydney Sweeney has been at the center of a promotional controversy. Earlier, she faced criticism for an ad campaign with American Eagle, where critics accused the jeans brand of promoting racism and genetic superiority. In response to that backlash, Sweeney expressed surprise, saying, "I did it because I love the jeans and love the brand. I don't support the views some people chose to connect to the campaign. Many have assigned motives and labels to me that just aren't true."
The current incident with the Hollywood Sign continues to generate discussions about celebrity endorsements, legal boundaries in marketing, and the ethics of using public landmarks for commercial gain. As the story develops, it remains to be seen how authorities will handle the potential charges and what impact this will have on Sweeney's career and future campaigns.
