Sydney Sweeney’s Hollywood Sign Stunt: A Controversial Promotion for Her Lingerie Line
In a bold and audacious move, actress Sydney Sweeney, known for her roles in "Euphoria" and "The White Lotus," recently climbed the iconic Hollywood Sign to promote her upcoming lingerie line. This publicity stunt, however, has sparked significant controversy, as it may lead to criminal trespassing and vandalism charges.
The Stunt Unfolds
Late at night, Sweeney was filmed scaling the "H" of the Hollywood Sign, dressed in black cargo pants, a hoodie, and a hat. The actress hung a clothesline adorned with bras across the landmark, all while a production crew documented the event on video. The intention behind this daring act was to generate buzz for her new lingerie brand, which is backed by billionaire Jeff Bezos and his private equity firm, Coatue.
Permits and Permissions
While Sweeney and her team secured a permit from FilmLA to film in the vicinity of the Hollywood Sign, they did not obtain authorization to physically climb or interact with the landmark itself. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, which holds the intellectual property rights to the sign, confirmed that no permission was granted for this particular stunt. Steve Nissen, the president and CEO of the Chamber, stated, "There was no permission granted to do this, as is required."
Potential Legal Consequences
As a result of the unauthorized climb, Sweeney could face serious legal repercussions, including criminal trespassing and vandalism charges. However, the Los Angeles Police Department has indicated that there is currently no active investigation and that "no crime was committed." When approached about whether the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce would file a police report, representatives did not provide a response.
The Backing Behind the Brand
Sweeney’s lingerie line is not just a personal venture; it has substantial financial backing from Coatue, which has connections to high-profile investors like Jeff Bezos and Michael Dell. Reports suggest that the project has been a significant focus for Sweeney over the past year, with sources indicating that she has been deeply involved in its development. Her attendance at Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s wedding in Venice last June further underscores the business ties between the actress and the billionaire.
Aftermath of the Stunt
Following the filming, the bras were removed from the Hollywood Sign, although reports indicate that four or five were left behind. As of now, representatives for both Sweeney and the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce have not commented on the incident, leaving many questions unanswered about the implications of this publicity stunt.
Public Reaction
The stunt has drawn mixed reactions from the public and industry insiders alike. While some view it as a creative marketing tactic, others criticize it for disrespecting a cultural landmark. The Hollywood Sign, a symbol of the entertainment industry, holds significant value, and actions like Sweeney’s raise concerns about the boundaries of publicity and artistic expression.
As the story continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how this incident will impact Sweeney’s burgeoning lingerie line and her reputation in Hollywood. The combination of celebrity culture, legal implications, and marketing strategies makes this a fascinating case study in modern publicity tactics.
