Sydney Sweeney faced a reported drop of more than 200,000 Instagram followers in the days after Novig released a betting ad featuring her nude body covered by sports equipment. The campaign, posted last Wednesday, drew backlash from women athletes who said the concept sexualized women’s sport, even as the video collected 1.1 million likes. Social Blade data cited in the report showed Sweeney’s account initially gained about 50,000 followers before losing 136,848 on Sunday and another 68,000 by Monday. The reported losses still amounted to less than 1 percent of Sweeney’s audience, which exceeds 25 million followers. Why Are Athletes Calling It Out? British sprinter Amy Hunt criticized the campaign during an interview after placing fourth in the 200 meter race at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship. Hunt, who is 24 and won four gold medals at this year’s European Championships, contrasted the ad’s imagery with the training, sweat, strength, and competitive focus behind women’s sports. Four time Olympic gold medalist Ariarne Titmus also condemned the campaign on social media, arguing that turning a woman’s body into a marketing tool disrespects athletes and fans who value teamwork, dedication, and excellence. Sweeney said the concept was meant to be playful and put attention on sports, while Novig founder and CEO Jacob Fortinsky said Sweeney holds equity in the company and pushed to appear nude in the campaign. Novig reportedly appealed to Sweeney because the platform focuses on sports predictions, unlike services that let users make predictions across a wider range of subjects. The ad may have delivered major engagement, but the reaction from athletes shows that attention and approval are very different scoreboards.